Does the HIPAA Privacy Rule permit an eye doctor to confirm a contact prescription received by a mail-order contact company?
Yes. The disclosure of protected health information by an eye [...]
Does the HIPAA Privacy Rule prevent health plans and providers from using debt collection agencies? Does the Privacy Rule conflict with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
The Privacy Rule permits covered entities to continue to use [...]
Does the HIPAA Privacy Rule prevent reporting to consumer credit reporting agencies or otherwise create any conflict with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?
No. The Privacy Rule’s definition of “payment” includes disclosures to [...]
Does the HIPAA Privacy Rule permit a covered entity or its collection agency to communicate with parties other than the patient (e.g., spouses or guardians) regarding payment of a bill?
Yes. The Privacy Rule permits a covered entity, or a [...]
May a health care provider disclose protected health information to a health plan for the plan’s Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS)?
Yes, the HIPAA Privacy Rule permits a provider to disclose [...]
What is the difference between “consent” and “authorization” under the HIPAA Privacy Rule?
The Privacy Rule permits, but does not require, a covered [...]
Does the HIPAA Privacy Rule restrict pharmacists from giving advice about over-the-counter medicines to customers?
No. A pharmacist may provide advice to customers about over-the-counter [...]
Are health care providers restricted from consulting with other providers about a patient’s condition without the patient’s written authorization?
No. Consulting with another health care provider about a patient [...]
Can health care providers, such as a specialist or hospital, to whom a patient is referred for the first time, use protected health information to set up appointments or schedule surgery or other procedures without the patient’s written consent?
Yes. The HIPAA Privacy Rule does not require covered entities [...]
Can a pharmacist use protected health information to fill a prescription that was telephoned in by a patient’s physician without the patient’s written consent if the patient is a new patient to the pharmacy?
Yes. The pharmacist is using the protected health information for [...]