HIPPA

[KG1031]

Jurisdiction

Indiana

I just left the ER and while there i feel my privacy was violated. After my exam I was called by a different patients name, and then moved to another room for results. While waiting the door was open and I could see the people in the next room, as well as staff and visitors in the halls. The doctor came in without knocking, made sure that the person in the room was with me, but neglected to close the door before discussing my results. She continued to discuss everything i had done and my discharge instructions. The nurse did the same when they came in. Do I have a claim?

 

[KatDini]

Do you honestly think anyone else was interested in why you were in the ER? They're too focused on their own problems. I suggest not worrying about it.

 

[adjusterjack]

I just left the ER and while there i feel my privacy was violated. After my exam I was called by a different patients name, and then moved to another room for results. While waiting the door was open and I could see the people in the next room, as well as staff and visitors in the halls. The doctor came in without knocking, made sure that the person in the room was with me, but neglected to close the door before discussing my results. She continued to discuss everything i had done and my discharge instructions. The nurse did the same when they came in.

First of all, it's not HIPPA, it's HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act).

Second, I don't know if any of that is a HIPAA violation but I do agree that it's annoying lack of security that shouldn't be happening. You are free to send a written complaint to the hospital administrators.

Third, you can study up on HIPAA at:

Health Information Privacy

And file a complaint there, too.

Just understand that many things can happen in one's life that are annoying and inconvenient but don't necessary violate any laws.

Sometimes it's just better to develop a thicker skin and not let little things bother you.

 

[Highwayman]

I just left the ER and while there i feel my privacy was violated. After my exam I was called by a different patients name, and then moved to another room for results. While waiting the door was open and I could see the people in the next room, as well as staff and visitors in the halls. The doctor came in without knocking, made sure that the person in the room was with me, but neglected to close the door before discussing my results. She continued to discuss everything i had done and my discharge instructions. The nurse did the same when they came in.

I see no question in your post. Thanks for sharing your, uh, story.

 

[ElleMD]

Being called the wrong name and the doctor not knocking first are not violations and in an ER, extremely common. It is also not a HIPAA violation to speak to you with a door open. Again, extremely common in ERs, many of which do not even have private rooms, and often done for the doctor's protection and your safety. Your presence in the ER is not protected. Rooms are not soundproof for very good reason. Incidental occurrences, such as when someone just walks by or happens to overhear what is happening in another room, are not considered HIPAA violations.

 

[army judge]

You could have POLITELY asked the hospital employees to close the door, as one (or more) began speaking.

I generally give the proper greeting of the day, when anyone enters my office or a room that I may be occupying. If I desire privacy, I politely ask the party who just entered to PLEASE close the door before we begin our discussion.

I've never had anyone refuse.

 

[Betty3]

It's not likely anyone in the ER is going to pay any attention to what is said to you or remember what is said to you if they do hear. In most cases, no one there will even know you or remember your name.