Question

Your neighbor, Billy, is a patient at the physician’s office where you work. He was recently in the office and treated by one of the physicians. You were not involved in Billy’s treatment or documentation, but you were interested in why he had an appointment at the office. You accessed his medical record and read his SOAP Note. You were surprised by what you read, and when you got home that night, you told another neighbor about Billy’s condition. Did your access of Billy’s patient record violate HIPAA? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Answer:

This is a violation of HIPAA. HIPPA has a rule about sharing patient information, even with other professionals. Unless they are directly involved with the case, the case should not be shared. Along with that, you also told your neighbor. Telling anyone in a personal space outside of work is a against HIPAA.

Explanation: