HIPAA Question.?

Ok, so these HIPPA laws are suppose to protect pt's from privacy violations. However, to me it seems like obtaining medical information is somewhat easy. Basically, from what I understand all that is required is a patients signiture and medical information can be released. That seems way too easy to me. I know the counter argument would be it is illegal to do that, but that is not neccessarily a deterrent as it is easy to photoshop something and fax in what looks like a ligitiment document.

Is there a way to completely seal medical records? Even if a signiture is presented? It seems like this is not possible in the electronic age of sharing data.

Thanks.

I would think if a patient was that concerned about his/her medical records being released to an imposter, he/she could probably ask that a note be placed in their record requiring copies to be picked up in person with a photo ID or something.

When I worked as a paralegal, we had to get the patient's signature, provide their SS# and date of birth, and the patient checked off boxes for records they did not want to have released (like HIV or mental health records).

EDIT: Also...unless the records are being sent to a lawyer's office or another doctor's office, I doubt they would just send the records to anyone. They'd probably ask the person to come and pick them up, in which case, they'd probably required to present proper ID.

I know at my son's pediatrician's office, they have a PIN that you are required to provide before you can get any information or anything else (besides make an appointment). The PIN is chosen in person by the parent. It seems to work well.

To me, HIPAA is a total illusion of "patient privacy". Every doctor's office and pharmacy have different interpretations.

Did you know that part of HIPAA is when you sign into the doctor's office you either just put your first name on a sheet, give your name to the receptionist, or take the sign-in sheet after each person has signed in and thoroughly cross out the name. Does this happen? No.

Doctor's/nurses are not supposed to discuss personal issues in front of other patients---THEY DO.

When you sign for your prescription at the pharmacy you are not supposed to see the names of all the people who signed before you. Some pharmacies have at least taken off the name of the medication, but most still have it. Hmmm, wow my neighbor got an HIV prescription???

Go onto the internet and look at exactly how many lawsuits there have been for HIPAA violations. The only ones I have ever seen involved illegal activity.

I started investigating the whole HIPAA privacy act when someone got hold of my medical information and attempted to use it against me.

As a patient, be your own advocate. I also work for Medicaid and I constantly see people give out info. about patients without a second thought.

When I get records I have to go to the hospital or doctor and show them my id and sign the paper. Faxing is not allowed anymore.

When you go to pick up a copy of your medical record, you must show ID to prove who you are before they give them to you. Faxing medical records is only allowed between hospital to hospital, hospital to clinic. Not hospital to private citizen. You can have a notation placed on your record that no records can be released without your knowledge and permission.