How much info can a release allow?
Thats what I kind of figured.
My next question has been a debate with the carrier. When they went to get medical records and bills for treatment of an injury they acquired a bit too much personal information that did not relate to the accident nor injury. I know by signing that form I allowed them access. But how much access is the question at hand. The release specifies due to an injury dated 00/00/0000. It says this specifically related to the injury including information relating to diagnosis, treatment records, bills and assessments to my current and expected physical condittion. Additionally, they may request my medical history as it relates to the injury.THis information may include but is not limited to HISTORICAL medical records, past physical condition, diagnosis, and treatment records and bills.
Since I found out they had aquired records not pertaing to the accident I question the adjuster why. SHe told me in writing all they wanted was the information for the injury and nothing more. The faxed over all the acuired information for me to look at. It appears that the billing dept sent too many billing dates, not related to the accident. THe insurance company already had the medical records in hand for the accident, and took it upon themselve to order more medical records after my treatment dates for the injury just because the treating facility sent more billing dates. The adjustor told me they "THOUGHT" they pertained to the accident and "assumed" they were as well. I had given the insurance company the exact dates on the provider sheet that was attached to the aurhorization form. Do insurance companies go by assumptions, and thoughts to obtain records or should they go by a specific date of service provided for the treatment. THis is post out-patient visits to a doctor whos office is in a out-patient treatment facility. Those were post treatment records after the claim. Historical means past. The treatment facility had to engage its privacy officer and do an investigation do to this and a fromal letter was sent to me stating that personally identifiable information had been, or is likely to have been accessed , disclosed,acquired or used by an unauthorized individueal or organization. HIPAA Law was violated.
I know HIPPA Law doesn't allow to sue for vilation at federal level. But have been researching state levels remedies. the information they received was "sensitve" in nature, embarrasing to me, and can cast judgment in the light of others. As I have said, I have all documentation on fax transmittals, when acquired and asked for. Do I have aleg to stand on?
The insurance carrier was very sloppy with their letters to the trament facilities. They had wrong dates of service on a request to one of the hospital, theres statements saying that that facilty treated me on a specific day, which was not the correct date of service. THey refer in some to a "date of loss" instead of a date of service.
