Privacy rights at drs offices

Today I got the shocker of my life. My next door neighbor works as a receptionist for the new dr I was going to see. She has a very big mouth, shes friendly but shes gossipy. Now I know in the medical field there are confidentiality laws However, I worked for the hospital system as a social worker and I saw just about everything in everyones charts as did others. I am very skeptical about returning as for now she just got a small amount of info but what about my future medical records. Would you switch if u knew someone working at your medical drs office?

Re: Privacy rights at drs offices

Probably - unless this is some type of specialist and this is the person you MUST see, I wouldn't want a gossipy neighbor seeing any of my medical info.

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Believe it or not...it is a specialist and that is why I am reluctant to leave BUT...I cant have my info wandering either.

Re: Privacy rights at drs offices

NEXT>>>>

Re: Privacy rights at drs offices

well, considering the way you described her...
YES i would switch...

I mean would you really go out of you way to sue her if you found out she was talking?

Message edited 1/31/2006 7:16:51 PM.

Re: Privacy rights at drs offices

Would 100% without a doubt leave

Re: Privacy rights at drs offices

I used to run 2 big divisions at a hospital in the city and they drilled into our heads about the new privacy laws HIPAA. We had to take a huge test and sign a consent form that we understood about the new privacy laws. They were really vigilant about it because they could accrue huge fines if something like what you described might happen.

HOwever, once I moved to the island and worked at a small private office, I found that employees were not educated enough about HIPAA laws and would still do things that you couldn't do because they didn't know any better.

In my opinion, I would speak to your Doctor directly, explain the situation. See what he has to say about it. I am sure he will say that your records will be private. But if it makes you fell better than definately switch.

Re: Privacy rights at drs offices

thanks for the advice everyone. I might switch or maybe go to another office but stay in the group practice.
Also in regard to the HIPPA law, my profession even states the severe penalties of the HIPPA requirements but again...I saw everything broken in the hospital that I worked in especially from the higher ups. Charts were passed around like test papers in a classroom. I always felt alone with high morales but I guess you can only account for yourself in the end.

Re: Privacy rights at drs offices

Re: Privacy rights at drs offices

I knew 2 people who worked at a Dr's office and they totally spilled the beans about a mutual acquaintance who came in. I will never go to a doctor where I have a personal connection with anyone working there b/c of that experience.

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Regardless of the laws and rights - if something ever does happen do you want to go through all the legal stuff???

I would leave and go elsewhere - why risk it?

Re: Privacy rights at drs offices

there is actually a bigger part then this I forgot to mention...It was a neurologist office and I didnt tell my mom bc I didnt want her to worry since my dad just passed and I am sure she will be hearing the good news tommorrow morning. I was going to tell this woman not to tell my mom I was there but then I was thinking if she thinks its a "secret" it might be brought out quicker.

Re: Privacy rights at drs offices

If your mom knows that you were there - I would without a doubt contact the doctors office, complain to the doctor, then switch.

I would consider this the first test of the woman keeping her mouth shut.

Oh and more importantly, I hope everything works out for the best for you with any results.

Message edited 1/31/2006 8:23:58 PM.