Does anyone know if HIPAA guidelines apply to orthodontic office info.?
personal/financial info is being disclosed to family (as in EX) members, who are not financially responsible for this child's orthodontia work. Is this even legal?
Answers:
This is a quote from Wikipedia under HIPAA.
"These rules apply to “covered entities” as defined by HIPAA and the HHS. Covered entities include health plans, health care clearinghouses, such as billing services and community health information systems, and health care providers that transmit health care data in a way that is regulated by HIPAA.[10][11]"
So if any information is transmitted in a way regulated, which would include any information going to insurance companies, then the orthodontist is covered under HIPAA.
If you think it is the orthodontist doing it then you probably need to report it. If you think is someone like a clerk then you probably need to speak with whoever is in charge of the office. It may be a case of the child's paperwork still including an "ex" or whatever as being a guardian of that child. Ask to update the records.
I find it disgusting to reveal any information. As a paramedic, I get asked all the time "What happened at that accident", or "Who did you take in?" and I just either joke it off or tell them outright I just can't say anything. I would feel and do the same thing if HIPAA wasn't in place. If people want their business told, THEY will tell it.
...it can be obtained legally , as in a negligence of a child support case , or required medical expense required in a divorce decree...
...and as far ar guardianship, your x certainly can obtained regarding her child
HIPAA guidlines apply to orthodontic offices. These are health professionals with at least Doctory ofDentistry degrees or higher and there is a viable patient/doctor relationship.
Does ex have any shared custody rights? If so, like joint, he or she has the right to obtain the medical info.
They should not be doing that!! Those laws DO apply to orthodontic office as well. You need to call the dr.'s office and give them a warning that these people are not to be given any information like that as they are not responsible for the child. They may have the names of whoever they are giving this information in old paper work and may not be aware that they should not be sharing this information with this person. But definitely call and inform them that they are doing this.
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