E-Newsletter from Crossroads Hospice: July/August 2011
http://www.seriousillness.org/atlanta/newsletter/
Accessing medical records
When you are caring for a relative, it seems obvious that health care providers would readily answer your questions. But health professionals and health plans are not permitted to freely give information. This can interfere with your ability to help your loved one follow doctor's orders or figure out insurance billing.
Rules about confidentiality
You've probably heard the term "HIPAA." That's the short name for a national privacy law that protects patient confidentiality. Under this law, a health care provider or health plan can share information about a patient only if
- the patient tells them it's okay to do so.
- they have reason to believe the patient would not object. If the patient brings you into the examining room. Or asks you to pick up a medication.
- they think it is in the patient's best interest. For example, if the patient is groggy from a procedure. Or the patient has dementia and cannot care for himself or herself; the doctor can give information to the person who is with them.
- you are the power of attorney for health care.
A patient's verbal "okay" is permitted. But many providers and plans require written permission. Check with each provider.
Working with Medicare
Medicare requires written permission to release information. A specific Medicare "authorization" form must be completed. Authorization can be provided by the
- Medicare patient. If possible, have your relative complete the authorization form online. He or she can use the form to indicate who personal information can be shared with.
- "personal representative." If you are your relative's power of attorney for health care, you can complete the form for your relative. But not online. Instead, download the authorization form. Complete it and mail it in with a copy of the power of attorney document.
