Trying to find out if a certain check-in procedure at a chiropractors office is in violation oh hipaa laws. Need a place I can make a phone call to rather than writing up a report since I don't really know if its a violation yet. They have a video screen facing the entrance and waiting area that you have to type your SSN into, then select all your physical problems on-screen right where everyone can see it.
Optional Information: Country relating to Question: United States State (if USA): Missouri Already Tried: Looking on the internet for a place to call.
Hello and thank you for choosing JustAnswer!I suggest you contact the office of the Missouri Atty. Gen. and request information on whether or not this is a violation. You will find the contact information for the Missouri Atty. Gen. at the following link:http://ago.mo.gov/contactus.htmThere is information on how to file a complaint for what you believe is a violation at the following link and it also contains an email address that you can use to inquire about potential violations:http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/index.htmlI suggest you use the email available at the link provided above to ask questions about the Public display of information at the chiropractors office unless you choose to just filed the complaint based upon your reasonable belief that it is a violation.I hope this has helped.Robert
Here is more information - I sent this in an email to the contact you provided, but I really wanted to speak to someone about it rather than write. It's just easier when I can explain.They installed a large video screen on the wall facing the check-in desk and patient waiting area, which is small and is in good view of the screen. It also faces the front door where people walk in - the postman, delivery people, etc. To check in, you have to enter your SSN, and then indicate all your physical problems and ailments using a human model and checklist of symptoms. Since this is in full view of anyone coming in or out of the office and those seated nearby, is this not a violation of HIPAA laws? The office girls claim it is an insurance requirement - which it very well may be - but should not be in full view of the general public. I have mentioned this to them, but they said that the procedure relieves them of liability from any unmentioned health issues or physical injury caused by treatment if the patient is the one entering the information. Not sure they should have told me that, but in any case, I don't want ANYONE viewing my personal information. That's the real issue. Can anything be done about it or should I just shut up and change chiropractors?
Instead of worrying whether or not this conduct is a violation (which it could be), I suggest you go ahead and file the complaint since the chiropractor's setup is forcing your personal and medical information to be displayed to others in the waiting room.If you would rather speak with someone about whether or not this conduct is a violation before filing a complaint then you should, as I stated in my previous answer, call the Missouri Attorney General Office and inquire as to who handles HIPAA inquiries.I recommend you file a complaint. Otherwise, it may just be easier for you to switch chiropractors but, before you decide to do that, you may want to call some other local chiropractor offices to see if they have similar systems in place.I hope this has helped your understanding. Please let me know if you need me to further clarify my answer and I will do my best to so clarify. If I have been helpful, then please remember to leave me positive feedback. I am glad to help!Thank you,RobertThank you,Robert
Experience: I am a licensed Attorney.