HIPAA Violation

[anothersurvivor]

I live in FL and am recently re-diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Sunday morning I received a phone call from a lady claiming to be a "fellow survivor" from the American Cancer Society and that she got my name and number from my doctor's office (who she named specifically). I was completely flabbergasted and extremely disturbed that not only my medical information, but my personal identifying information (name and phone number) were given out without my permission. What avenues are available to me? It seems this is most definitely a HIPAA violation to me.

Thank you.

 

[lealea1005]

I live in FL and am recently re-diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Sunday morning I received a phone call from a lady claiming to be a "fellow survivor" from the American Cancer Society and that she got my name and number from my doctor's office (who she named specifically). I was completely flabbergasted and extremely disturbed that not only my medical information, but my personal identifying information (name and phone number) were given out without my permission. What avenues are available to me? It seems this is most definitely a HIPAA violation to me.

Thank you.

It is a violation.

You can file a complaint by going to the HIPAA website and following the instructions.

You can also write a letter to the Physician, alerting him/her that your personal information was given out, without your permission, and you have filed a complaint. Hopefully, that will be the kick in the pants they need to retrain the staff members.

There is no provision for monetary awards for HIPAA violations.

Good luck with your recovery.