Re: HIPAA IS YOUR FRIEND

Posted by V in SATX (12.24.84.6) on April 23, 2003 at 11:42:42:

In Reply to: HIPAA IS YOUR FRIEND posted by WHY CHAT on April 23, 2003 at 00:30:12:

I work in the health insurance field. I am an actual health insurance claims processor and customer service rep for a federal health plan.

The greatest and possibly the worse thing about HIPPA is that it is protecting all of your medical health information and medical records. It is very positive for you as the consumer.

However if you wanted to inquire on a spouses or childs medical claim or medical condition, you would need to have your spouse sign stating that you would have that right. The same goes for children under your care/plan.

Some states have different age restrictions--meaning just because they are 16, a minor and they are under your plan and you are the parent/guardian does not mean that any information could be released to you without a signed consent form from them.

This also applies to those who take care of their parents who are elderly.

I strongly advise you to read over all the HIPPA information that you receive from your health insurance carrier and healthcare providers. Ask questions from your insurance company if you do not understand something; and check your states web site for their mandates.

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