Case Study:
A patient has just left the office after having an outpatient surgery procedure. As you get ready to put away the patient’s file, you realize that the patient has forgotten to take his prescriptions and after-care instruction sheets home with him. It is vital for proper healing and recovery for the patient to have these documents. You know you will have to contact this patient so you look inside for his contact information and signed HIPAA Release of Information form.
Questions:
1. Under HIPAA, are you legally allowed to view this patient’s medical information? Why or why not?
2. In this case, how would you be able to correct your error and provide the missing documents and instructions to the patient while still protecting patient confidentiality under HIPAA?
3. List 3 ways patient confidentiality is maintained in the reception/waiting area of a medical office.
4. A breach of confidentiality can result in what consequences for a health care professional?
5. Identify and explain two exceptions to confidentiality in healthcare settings.
Answer each question in complete sentences and in a full paragraph. Use APA format including a title page, citations and a reference page.