HIPPA Law question

[trishan]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ
My husband was referred to an MD who specializes in surgical cases. He has had multiple surgeries in the past 10 years and I, as his wife, always go with him so that I can understand whatever the Dr. might advise. This particular doctor refused to allow me to accompany him into the exam room although I was also told that I would have to change his dressings every day. My husband told them that he wanted me to be present as he was upset and might not remember what the doctor said. The office stated that this was against the HIPPA law and their office policy. Could you please help me to understand this law as I have never been told this by any other doctor.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[justalayman]

The office stated that this was against the HIPPA law and their office policy

regarding the HIPAA situation: all that has to happen is your husband signs a HIPAA release allowing the provider to divulge any protected information to you.

If it is against their office policy, you can either accept that or find another practitioner.

 

[trishan]

Thank you for your reply. They never gave us HIPPA information at the first visit as every other physician's office did but my husband offered to sign any release that they needed in order for me to accopany him. We decided to leave when they refused and will now seek another specialist in this field.

 

[Betty]

Thank you for your reply. They never gave us HIPPA information at the first visit as every other physician's office did but my husband offered to sign any release that they needed in order for me to accopany him. We decided to leave when they refused and will now seek another specialist in this field.

Just FYI - it's HIPAA (not HIPPA).

 

[ecmst12]

It is not any sort of HIPAA violation for your husband to allow you to come to his appointments and talk to his doctors in his presence. It MAY be against their policy and they are not required to allow you in just because he asks them to.