Was doctor confidentiality broken?

[convoy71]

What is the name of your state? PA

A close family member was diagnosed with a dreadful disease. Though she discovered that her insurance would only deal with specific local specialist. The problem is, the specialist's office recently hired her brother's girlfriend. Neither her brother or girlfriend are close to her (thats's being polite), anyway. And her, her brother and gf live in same
residence as well as their mother.

Now...the gf took a sealed envelope with next appointment and futher instructions from her office and took it home to give my family member's mother. We do not know if doctor gave permission to take envelope home of family.

But does gf(as receptionist) have right or if doctor did give permission, have right to take confidential patient information although it was in a sealed envelope from doctor's office and take to patient, whether friend, family or just "I know where patient lives". This envelope should be sent via mail or given to patient via office visit.What is the name of your state?

 

[seniorjudge]

What is the name of your state? PA

A close family member was diagnosed with a dreadful disease. Though she discovered that her insurance would only deal with specific local specialist. The problem is, the specialist's office recently hired her brother's girlfriend. Neither her brother or girlfriend are close to her (thats's being polite), anyway. And her, her brother and gf live in same
residence as well as their mother.

Now...the gf took a sealed envelope with next appointment and futher instructions from her office and took it home to give my family member's mother. We do not know if doctor gave permission to take envelope home of family.

But does gf(as receptionist) have right or if doctor did give permission, have right to take confidential patient information although it was in a sealed envelope from doctor's office and take to patient, whether friend, family or just "I know where patient lives". This envelope should be sent via mail or given to patient via office visit.What is the name of your state?

Okay, I read this twice.

Where's the part about medical info being disclosed to a third party?

 

[ellencee]

Okay, I read this twice.

Where's the part about medical info being disclosed to a third party?

Messages can be given to family members, friends, neighbors, whatever (whoever) it takes to 'reach' the patient with necessary appointment or follow-up information.

Since they live in the same house and brother's gf works at the doctor's office, too, I can't imagine a possible HIPAA infraction of any kind.

Geez...

EC