Importance of Patient Confidentiality in Healthcare

1. Patient Confidentiality By: Laura Glantzberg

2. Patient Confidentiality • Patient confidentiality always comes first • Breach of confidentiality could lead to lawsuits and/or loss of job • This includes: • Directly naming a person • Giving any information that could identify the patient • Improperly disclosing patient information • Using patient’s information in an improper manner

3. HIPAA • Stands for Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act • Protects patients’ privacy • Allows to disclose patient information only for: • Medical care • Medical operations • Billing information

4. DON’T… • Disclose the name of the patient to anyone who isn’t related to the patient • Release information unless you are in a private area where civilians can’t hear you • Use the patient name over radio transmitters • Use patient records for educational purposes until all names/private information have been removed • Address, phone number, etc.

5. Obtaining Consent • Obtain patient consent before releasing their information if you’re concerned • Make sure consent is written and documented • If you’re working for the press, consent must be obtained before entering the patient’s house

6. Summary • Write a paragraph summary on the importance of patient confidentiality. Include when it is/is not okay to release patient information.