Adam:
I just had a client call no more than 30 minutes ago from an individual with a very serious GI problem that was at first undiagnosed with this disorder and the poor individual was unable to work because of the symptoms he/she exhibited. After conclusive diagnosis the client still cannot get either of the two medical doctors involved in the case to send in the appropriate forms for his/her medical leave of absence from work. This would allow the individual to have the necessary recuperative time to deal with this life-altering condition.
Timeliness, along with ascribed expediency are two facets that HIPAA does not sufficiently address. The 30 days are certainly not adequate in many cases such as the one described above. Physicians and tertiary facilities are reticent to make the extended effort to supply information because of the lack of remuneration involved as well as the on-going effort needed to supply such information. Seldom, are there ‘hidden reasons’ for keeping such information. Basically, it comes down to two things: laziness, and greed.