question re: hippa laws

[kcandbrae]

so i had blood work done at the beginning of june. made a follow-up appt. 2 weeks later to come back for the results. 

then i went on vacation. i was only supposed to be gone for 4 days, but ended up extending my trip. i had to reschedule the follow-up appointment. 

now i just booked another trip that will have me out of state until the end of july. so i called today to cancel the rescheduled appointment and asked if they could go over the test results with me over the phone since i will be gone for so long. she said no, HIPPA prevents them from doing so. 

what's weird is that i know my gyno has called me with my PAP results before. i'm not sure if that would fall into a different category? 

but this doctor (my PCP) had me recently sign a consent that they could leave that type of information on my voicemail. so what does that cover if not test results? 

[Deleted]

I've never had an issue getting blood work results via phone. That's weird

Sent from my totally awesome galaxy s3.

[thatgirl]

HIPPA does not prevent a healthcare provider from releasing med info to a patient.

FWIW- always request a copy of your labs sent to you.

[kcandbrae]

i feel like i'm getting swindled

[berbles]

Unless something is wrong, you shouldn't need a follow up visit to get the lab results.

[kirra]

I know they can't leave information on my voicemail, but I've never had problems with getting test results over the phone after they confirm that I'm the patient.

ETA: Sometimes I've had to have followups for blood work, sometimes not. It depends on what they're testing, why, and if any problems came up. 

[janegold]

No reason for another appointment just to get results. Raises my eyebrow a bit.

And it's HIPAA.

[MrsAxilla]

I would call back and speak to someone else. Remind them that you signed a release and they should have a copy in their file.

[Deleted]

HIPAA HIPAA HIPAA HIPAA HIPAA HIPAA HIPAA HIPAA HIPAA HIPAA HIPAA

HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY ACT













Yeah this isn't part of my job or anything. Not a pet peeve at all. Nope. I'm good. Carry on.

[hopecounts]

It's a gray area while technically not prohibited it gets messy if its not actually you on the phone and the office thinks it is which would qualify as a violation and the office may just be being cautious,
If you sign a release stating that they may give info over the phone it should take care of it.

reading fail. Just remind the, that they have a release to,leave info on your voice,ail and for them to please call with the results.

[UMaineTeach]

Jun 28, 2013 17:17:17 GMT -5 @fucksticklegit said:

HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

I like Health Information Portability and Privacy Act better - they should change it

I used to go to a Dr. who required visits to get results. She sucked as a doctor, but was great at making money.
My doctor now will call and send a letter with results.

[Deleted]