HIPAA privacy standards and compliance requirements

¶ … HIPAA standards help patents to protect their medical information from the general public. Every patient is entitled to their privacy when it comes to their medical records. Before the HIPAA, patients medical information was more easily obtainable without their written permission, which completely invaded their privacy. From there, the HIPAA standards have improved privacy issues for patients' medical records and their rights.

However, there are only certain circumstances that the patients cannot have access to their own medical records.

If the patient is endanger of hurting themselves, the only way that they can have access to their medical records is through the doctor. This is due to their health and physical protection.

You can ask to see and get a copy of your medical record and other health information. You may not be able to get all of your information in a few special cases. For example, if your doctor decides something in your file might endanger you or someone else, the doctor may not have to give this information to you. In most cases, your copies must be given to you within 30 days, but this can be extended for another 30 days if you are given a reason. You may have to pay for the cost of copying and mailing if you request copies and mailing (ww.hhs.gov).

There are twelve reasons why medical information is to used in unrelated health care issues as it can be seen from the following examples.

1. Decision-making for insurers. Many people are often denied health or life insurance, based on current medical conditions. Often, coverage is denied because of "pre-existing conditions," that is, some condition the person applying already has or had (What are the 12 circumstances can personal health information be used for purposes unrelated to health care?)

2. Joining the Armed Forces or other branches of law enforcement: Most people know of the rating system in the Army, for instance, but anyone wishing to be a police officer or FBI agent, would have to have rigorous medical exams and background checks for other medical problems/conditions (What are the 12 circumstances can personal health information be used for purposes unrelated to health care?)

3. Use in schools: All children in public schools are required to be up-to-date on their immunizations and to provide medical documentation of these, as well as history of yearly physicals, medication required or conditions about which the school should know, in case of emergency (What are the 12 circumstances can personal health information be used for purposes unrelated to health care?)

4. Hiring and even firing. Though this is rarely said, it is also common knowledge that prospective and current employers often check applicants' and employees' medical records, with or without consent, to see if they will be a problem, say, with sick time, or medical claims (if the company offers insurance benefits) (What are the 12 circumstances can personal health information be used for purposes unrelated to health care?)

5. Legal claims: Often, people who sue individuals or companies for conditions due to injury (both on the job and off), are in for a tough road, if the defendant's lawyers uncover a medical condition that could even remotely account for the plaintiff's condition. An example would be: An plaintiff is hit on the head and develops seizures.

6. Information for other doctors. Though reading a patient's COMPLETE medical history is rare these days, with the current state of health care, doctors do use a person's health history to test and diagnose conditions (What are the 12 circumstances can personal health information be used for purposes unrelated to health care?)

7. Housing. Though one's medical health is usually not asked for on a lease application, the landlord might very well look it up, using an online service. One might ask why, but it is similar to the employer's reason: not wanting the tenant complaining that their disability was not accommodated (this is against the law) or that they were discriminated against (this is why the landlord would look up medical history secretly (What are the 12 circumstances can personal health information be used for purposes unrelated to health care?)

8. Marriage. It sounds unromantic, but potential spouses often want to know about any history of illness, genetic or otherwise. Also, many partners (wisely) want the other tested for STD's such as HIV and Hepatitis C in most states, testing for syphilis is mandatory, though there is a cure in the early stages (What are the 12 circumstances can personal health information be used for purposes unrelated to health care?)

9. Conceiving and carrying a child. Most parents are asked if there is a family or personal history of genetic disorders, so that they can prepare for possible outcomes. some people choose not to reproduce, if there is a high risk of passing on a genetic disease, such as Tay-Sach's or Huntington's chorea. There is also the mother's health. Doctors should investigate possible birth problems (diabetes, hypertension, injuries, malformations of the skeleton or uterus), or anything that could complicate pregnancy and/or delivery (What are the 12 circumstances can personal health information be used for purposes unrelated to health care?)

10. Ability to make decisions, legally and otherwise. Many times, families take over decisions about living arrangements, finances and many other aspects of a person's life, if the person's ability to make sound decisions is compromised by a disease such as Alzheimer's or drug/alcohol abuse. (What are the 12 circumstances can personal health information be used for purposes unrelated to health care?)

11. Marital problems, Separation and/or Divorce - Sadly many spouses who are diagnosed with a lasting, crippling medical condition, such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, are deserted by their spouses (usually women by their husbands), especially if any personal care may be needed in the future (What are the 12 circumstances can personal health information be used for purposes unrelated to health care?)