Re: Privacy at risk in health worker's conversations

[Guest guest]

I have encountered on several occassions medical office staff, both

receptionists and nurses, openly and loud enough for anyone in the

general vicinity of the office and exam rooms, to hear patient names

and medical issues being discussed.

These people are professionals who should know better, but it seems

that some of these people just do not care about the privacy and

sensitivity of a patients medical status. I have discussed it with

other friends and family and they have shared similar experiences.

A lot of people try to blame it on such things like they are

overworked and underpaid, but that is not acceptable.

Being a retired banker, how would they like it if I were to discuss

their income and credit reports in public and loud enough that

anyone in the general vicinity could hear. This would be totally

wrong and illegal, and ethically wrong. And this is only your

financial information, your medical information in my opinion being

even more sacred.

[Guest guest]

I had this happen to me last week. The receptionist behind the counter at the

clinic was very openly discussing the fact that I needed to complete Medicare

forms because it was my first visit to the clinic since being covered by

Medicare. I really prefer that other people in the waiting room don't know that

I'm on Medicare. I live in a small town where a lot of people know me. It's

none of any one else's business, and I think it's highly unprofessional to talk

so that everyone else can hear.

K.

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

There is this " wonderful " law in place called the " Graham Leach

Confidentiality Law " (HIPPA Regulations!) that the doctor's office needs to

be reminded of. They are wonderful about letting us know if we try to get

information on family members and have to have paper's signed -- but in

turn they need to be reminded of their part of following the law! I am a

health insurance agent and deal with it on a daily basis. Receptionist can

be the worst people to deal with! We live in a small rural town

too-- " everybody knows everybody else's' business " or thinks they do.

Unfortunately too many people don't consider the " situations " , feelings or

reasons people have different types of insurance coverage. Insurance can be

a real nightmare! On a personal basis with CMT and my husband having

Rheumatoid Arthritis we can only get group insurance. You might want to say

something to their supervisor's or etc. about the situation. Our family

actually left a doctor's office for several years until the receptionist was

fired due to " front desk " problems.

Best of Luck!

Crock