HS101-02 Uint 8 Project
HS101: A Day in the Life – Unit 8 Project Part I: A patient has just left the office after having an outpatient surgery procedure. As you get ready to put away the patient’s file, you realize that the patient has forgotten to take his prescriptions and after-care instruction sheets home with him. It is vital for proper healing and recovery for the patient to have these documents. You know you will have to contact this patient so you look inside for his contact information and signed HIPAA Release of Information form.
1. Under HIPAA, are you legally allowed to view this patient’s medical information? Why or why not?
Under HIPAA, I would not be legally allowed to view this patient’s medical information. As a certified medical assistant I am not able to view the patients file without having prior authorization. Today in most medical offices they have their personnel sign HIPPA and confidentially forms stating the rules and regulations of their position. This is to prevent HIPPA violations and confidentiality breeches. But sense the patient just had surgery he must have signed a records release form which then makes it okay to retrieve his contact information for this situation.
2. In this case, how would you be able to correct your error and provide the missing documents and instructions to the patient while still protecting patient confidentiality under HIPAA?
In a case where prior authorization has been given it would be okay to contact the patient and inform them of the situation. If prior authorization has not been established as a medical professional you would need to address the issue to someone who does have authorization to access the file and contact the patient.
3. Besides a HIPAA Patient Release of Information form, list 4 other items that are found in the medical record.
Other items that can be found in a medical record include things like progress notes or physician’s notes. Test results would be another thing that would be included
1. Under HIPAA, are you legally allowed to view this patient’s medical information? Why or why not?
Under HIPAA, I would not be legally allowed to view this patient’s medical information. As a certified medical assistant I am not able to view the patients file without having prior authorization. Today in most medical offices they have their personnel sign HIPPA and confidentially forms stating the rules and regulations of their position. This is to prevent HIPPA violations and confidentiality breeches. But sense the patient just had surgery he must have signed a records release form which then makes it okay to retrieve his contact information for this situation.
2. In this case, how would you be able to correct your error and provide the missing documents and instructions to the patient while still protecting patient confidentiality under HIPAA?
In a case where prior authorization has been given it would be okay to contact the patient and inform them of the situation. If prior authorization has not been established as a medical professional you would need to address the issue to someone who does have authorization to access the file and contact the patient.
3. Besides a HIPAA Patient Release of Information form, list 4 other items that are found in the medical record.
Other items that can be found in a medical record include things like progress notes or physician’s notes. Test results would be another thing that would be included