HIPPA in the usa

[Guest guest]

One disturing aspect of HIPPA is that doctors are federally (this over

rides state laws) not required to keep confidentiality; the entire document

which I received at the hospital was 19 pages long and

stated that any physician could contact any other person (not just

physician) in my family, including those whom I had in writing requested

NOT be contacted. This had previously been California law more or

less anyway, such that any physician who had knowledge from any

source of a family member, could telephone that person against the

wishes of the patient. The crowning punch being years ago when some

nutty rheumatologist called one of my " kids " to request that I live with

same. " Kid " was smart and advised the physician to discuss this with

me! HIPPA literally removes all confidentiality, despite superficial at

tempts to convince patients that it does not. It might be wise in many

cases to have a notarized, witnessed document authorizing another

adult to accompany one to physicians' visits and during hospital stays,

as can be arranged. Few know of this. When I find the entire HIPPA

statement as it affects patients on a website, I will forward it to all the

medical lists I am on. What I have here is hard copy and my printer is

not up, so I cannot turn it into a document--which may be merciful.

Cheers! as always,

n Rojas, who just plain got up to early this morning!