The right to have our medical records and healthcare information protected is an idea that we’re all pretty much undivided on. It’s also a topic that spurs powerful emotions and heated actions from many individuals. Contrary to the concerns of many, the privacy of our medical records and health information is protected under federal law by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA).
This act grants people the right to their health information, and it also sets rules and limitations on who can view your medical information. Still, here are a few things you can do on your end to make sure that you’re further protected.
Talk to Your Physician about Confidentiality Concerns
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It’s sometimes challenging to find an expert on the matter of health privacy, but it’s possible that you’re overlooking one of the greatest assets you have on your side — your personal physician. Talking with your physician about your rights and options will surely help to set any confusion straight.
Take it upon yourself to discuss these topics with your physician:
- Medical confidentiality concerns
- Specific uses of health records and information
- Information needed for insurance
Request Your Own Copy
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There are several rights regarding health information that are entitled to every person, but it doesn’t make any difference to you if you do not know those rights. It is within any citizen’s right to request a copy of their medical records from the provider or the care facility where the medical services were administered. Among that right, you also have the right to make corrections to any of your health information and the right to be notified as to how your e-PHI is being used by a service or company.
Be Cautious About Providing Information
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It goes without saying, providing your personal health information isn’t something that you should take lightly, and it’s never something you should provide to a company that isn’t directly involved with your health care services or insurance. For example, you may eventually encounter a survey or poll on a health-related site that asks you to provide personal health information. It’s wise to ignore these sort of things, as often times it may be a ploy to retrieve information from you for deceitful purposes.
According to NCOA, scam artists often trick people into providing them with personal health information so they can file fraudulent claims to Medicare and pocket the money. A crucial mistake like this can leave you in a great deal of trouble, so it’s wise to simply withhold any information.
Always Read the Fine Print
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The most important thing to remember about authorization — or at least, one of the most important things to remember — is that they often contain clauses that allow for personal information to be released under certain circumstances. It’s possible to be able deny these clauses; however, you must first know that they’re in the forms, because there’s nothing you can do once you sign and agree to the terms. Do yourself a favor and take some time to completely look documents over before agreeing to their terms.
Used properly, these tips can help you keep your health records and information protected from those seeking to use them for exploitation. Ensure that you’re doing everything you can to protect yourself by including these tips into your life.