Health center dispels myths about HIPAA

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Now that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act has passed the one-year anniversary of its in-effect date, the health information management staff at Skaggs Community Health Center in Branson is working to help consumers separate fact from fiction in relation to their health information privacy rights under the act. |ret||ret||tab|

Myth 1: Your health care provider cannot leave messages for you on your answering machine or with someone who answers the phone. |ret||ret||tab|

Fact: HIPAA doesn't prohibit health care providers from leaving messages for patients on their answering machine or with family members. However, the information should be limited to such things as name, number and appointment confirmation. You have the right to request an alternative communication method if you do not wish to receive messages at home. |ret||ret||tab|

Myth 2: Your health care provider must have your approval to disclose your personal health information to another health care provider.|ret||ret||tab|

Fact: Your provider can share your health information with another provider if there is a reason to believe you will receive care there. |ret||ret||tab|

Myth 3: You must sign the Notice of Privacy Practices, which is provided by each facility where patients seek care and details health information privacy rights under HIPAA. |ret||ret||tab|

Fact: Your signature is not required. Your health care provider must provide the notice and make a good faith effort to obtain a written acknowledgement from you that you received it. Signing an acknowledgement means that you received the notice not necessarily that you agree with its content. |ret||ret||tab|

Myth No. 4. Your doctor cannot discuss your care with your family members. |ret||ret||tab|

Fact: Health care providers can share information that is directly relevant to the involvement of a spouse, family member, friend or other persons identified by you regarding your care or payment for health care. |ret||ret||tab|

Myth No. 5. Your name and location while in the hospital may not be given out without your consent.|ret||ret||tab|

Fact: You must specifically ask not to be listed in a hospital's directory if you do not want it known that you are a patient there. |ret||ret||tab|

Myth No. 6: You cannot obtain a copy of your medical records. |ret||ret||tab|

Fact: With a few exceptions, HIPAA gives patients the right to review or obtain a copy of their medical information. |ret||ret||tab|

Myth No. 7: Your clergyman or pastor will not know to visit you in the hospital unless you tell him or her.|ret||ret||tab|

Fact: Hospitals are able to disclose directory information about patients, including religious affiliation, unless the patient has specifically objected.|ret||ret||tab|

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