Health and Fitness ? Patient Confidentiality ? Health and Fitness

ALL patients have the right of privacy and to expect that their personal information and medical records are kept confidential and not released to a third party without their consent. Any information discussed between the physician and patient is privileged information.

All information regarding a patient?s condition, medical history, demographics, or even if the person IS a patient, CANNOT be communicated to anyone else without first being authorized by the patient.

Medical records CAN be transferred without authorization from the patient if a court has issued a subpoena for them.

Patient information CANNOT be given over the telephone without a patient?s permission. Even if it is the spouse of a patient that was not authorized to receive such information.

It is highly advisable NOT to fax patient related information to an unsecure location such as a patient?s home or work even if the patient requests it.

Any information that is communicated, with the consent of the patient, should be on a need to know basis and only what is necessary regarding the patient?s care.

Patient?s information should not be discussed in open areas or within ear shot of other patients or visitors.

Example:

Front office staff should not discuss a patients appointment while someone is signing in or if there is someone in the waiting room that would be able to hear the conversation. A comment such as, ?Mr. Davis called regarding the results of his HIV test today.? could result in breach of confidentiality.

Because of the potential liability involved, a facility should implement a zero tolerance policy regarding any intentional breach of confidentiality. Any intentional breach of confidentiality should result in termination. This policy should be documented and signed by each employee during the beginning of employment.

Tips to avoid breaching a patient?s confidentiality:

Discuss patient information to the PATIENT ONLY. Do not assume that family members are aware of the patient?s condition or situation.

DO NOT leave detailed messages on a voice-mail or answering machine. Leaving protected health information where it is unknown who will retrieve it is a major risk that can lead to substantial liability. The Same should be considered in regards to faxing patient information.

Staff should only provide the minimum information necessary that is needed to care for the patient. i.e. If a patient was referred to a podiatrist because of a foot condition, it would be inappropriate, as well as useless, to send records regarding the patients anemia condition.

iPracticeConsultant.com is a comprehensive website addressing managing a medical facility. iPracticeConsultant focuses on the financial aspects of operating a medical facility, human resources guidelines in managing staff, marketing information specific to healthcare, and healthcare risk management. iPracticeConsultant also provides various financial calculators to allow managers to conduct quick and accurate financial analysis.

Read more healthcare administration focused articles on iPracticeConsultant.com

http://www.iPracticeConsultant.com

Source: http://medicaltips.biz/2011/09/15/patient-confidentiality/

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