What is the name of your state? GA
I went in to the hospital for an outpatient test. As I was being taken back to change, one gentleman asked me (privately) when I had my last menstrual period. I told him it was two months ago, but also explained why that was (I take birth control pills continously, so I don't get a period). Then, as I was changing, the Radiology Tech comes in and calls out my name. He then says, "I see you haven't had a period in two months, why?" I told him, very quietly why, but also mentioned there was another patient sitting just behind him. He then said, "That is why I am trying to whisper." He was NOT whispering at all. He was speaking in a normal tone of voice. I then told him it doesn't matter since the other person was only five feet away from me! He continued to ask me questions about my period and why I wasn't getting one. I again explained to him this was personal information and not something to be shared with a total stranger. Again, he continued to ask questions (Are you on medicine to stop your periods? Why aren't you having one, etc. etc. etc.). He even said, "We use a lot of radiation for this test, so we have to know why you haven't had a period in two months!" I EXPLAINED WHY. I have NO problem answering the questions. It is imperative to my health and welfare. I do have a problem though when it is asked continually in front of another patient.
I immediately went to the Administrator after the test to file a complaint with the hospital. Within 10 minutes, I had a call from the Compliance Officer who tells me this will be investigated fully and appropriate disciplinary action would be taken. When I asked in general what type of action is taken, I was told this was confidential. Sure, share my personal medical information with a total stranger..that is fine, but don't tell me anything!
All this tech had to do was take me in to the exam room and ask me confidentially or have the radiologist, who was going to be doing this test to ask me the questions. He did not have to ask this in front of someone who had no business knowing anything about me!!!
Do I have a case in this instance? In my opinion, this is a direct violation of HIPAA, but since I am not an attorney, that is pure speculation.
Thank you for your time.
I went in to the hospital for an outpatient test. As I was being taken back to change, one gentleman asked me (privately) when I had my last menstrual period. I told him it was two months ago, but also explained why that was (I take birth control pills continously, so I don't get a period). Then, as I was changing, the Radiology Tech comes in and calls out my name. He then says, "I see you haven't had a period in two months, why?" I told him, very quietly why, but also mentioned there was another patient sitting just behind him. He then said, "That is why I am trying to whisper." He was NOT whispering at all. He was speaking in a normal tone of voice. I then told him it doesn't matter since the other person was only five feet away from me! He continued to ask me questions about my period and why I wasn't getting one. I again explained to him this was personal information and not something to be shared with a total stranger. Again, he continued to ask questions (Are you on medicine to stop your periods? Why aren't you having one, etc. etc. etc.). He even said, "We use a lot of radiation for this test, so we have to know why you haven't had a period in two months!" I EXPLAINED WHY. I have NO problem answering the questions. It is imperative to my health and welfare. I do have a problem though when it is asked continually in front of another patient.
I immediately went to the Administrator after the test to file a complaint with the hospital. Within 10 minutes, I had a call from the Compliance Officer who tells me this will be investigated fully and appropriate disciplinary action would be taken. When I asked in general what type of action is taken, I was told this was confidential. Sure, share my personal medical information with a total stranger..that is fine, but don't tell me anything!
All this tech had to do was take me in to the exam room and ask me confidentially or have the radiologist, who was going to be doing this test to ask me the questions. He did not have to ask this in front of someone who had no business knowing anything about me!!!
Do I have a case in this instance? In my opinion, this is a direct violation of HIPAA, but since I am not an attorney, that is pure speculation.
Thank you for your time.
Last edited: