Privacy policy? Seems sad to me...

Subject: Privacy policy? Seems sad to me... Fri Aug 29, 2008 10:57 am

I just have to vent...

I work in the dental field--have for years. Awhile back, the government issued the HIPPA rules to safeguard private health information. This, because of an incident whereby a large glut of discarded insurance claims ended up in the wrong place.

I understand the need for safeguards. In this day of identity theft, it is vital. However, sometimes it seems to be a bit over the top. Gone are the days of small-town concern, where people just know when help is needed. It makes me a bit sad.

We are so fractioned as a whole. This just seems to add to it.
Don't think so? Just try to walk into any hospital and ask about a friend's well-being. You're kidding yourself if you think the staff will tell you anything.
_________________
Southern fiction with a madhatter twist...
www.rhettdevane.com

Subject: Re: Privacy policy? Seems sad to me... Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:05 pm

I agree. It's sad that things have changed so much in so many ways.
_________________
Mystery Writers of America, Private Eye Writers of America
www.dickstodghill.com

Subject: Re: Privacy policy? Seems sad to me... Fri Aug 29, 2008 8:52 pm

It is one thing to keep health records from the eyes of the public, but that does not apply to entities associated with the health industry, and that has caused much damage.

An example:
If you were ever treated for a heart attack, that becomes part of a medical file that is kept in a central medical bank (on microfilm). An insurance company that is considering a new candidate for health insurance, checks this medical bank, and when they see that information, the client for insurance is either denied insurance or will fall under a high-risk rate chart. Often the person that was treated for a heart attack found that it was not a heart attack but something else, including heartburn. That information is not noted but rather the purpose for the treatment.
_________________
"To Beirut and Back"
http://www.freewebs.com/abemarch
"With every adversity there is a benefit."

Subject: Re: Privacy policy? Seems sad to me... Sat Aug 30, 2008 4:16 am

Allowing insurance companies access to records denied to the public is criminal. We need big changes in health care - and not through insurance companies in it for profit.
_________________
Mystery Writers of America, Private Eye Writers of America
www.dickstodghill.com

Subject: Re: Privacy policy? Seems sad to me... Sat Aug 30, 2008 4:19 am

Of course our government wants to help out the insurance companies. They're always doing favors for big business, because that's where most of their campaign money comes from. Most polititions seem to care more about their political campaign than they do about helping the people they serve.

Subject: Re: Privacy policy? Seems sad to me... Sat Aug 30, 2008 12:42 pm

Abe that happened to my Dad. He was applying for life insurance and had been to the Dr for a horrible cold. The Dr had written COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which Dad did not have. He was "super" rated for life insurance and spent the next year and a half sorting it all out.

On the flip side I notice that now the Dr's write or electronically record way less than they ever used to. Keeps them out of trouble apparently...but try to sort our somebody's history with no notes - what a conundrum!
_________________
Pam Robertson

http://andthebandplayedonmylawn.blogspot.com