Privacy Officer's Roundtable

  • 1.  Accessing Patient's Chart

    Posted 02-01-2018 01:41 PM
    Please give me your opinion on the following scenario:  A man asks a doctor to accept him as a new patient, stating that his previous doctor discharged him because he canceled his appointment.  Both doctors are part of the same health care system and use the same EMR.  Can the "new" doctor access the patient's chart before accepting him as a patient to view the documentation on why the patient was discharged from his previous physician?  My thoughts are that the physician cannot access the patient's chart before accepting him as a new patient because he is not the doctor's patient yet.  My coworkers are saying it is acceptable if the physician looks at the patient chart before making the decision to accept the man as a new patient.  What say you?  I have been looking for a rule or regulation that addresses this but I've come up empty-handed.  Your help is appreciated!
    Cinda

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    Cinda
    Compliance/Ethics & Privacy Director
    Ohio
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  • 2.  RE: Accessing Patient's Chart

    Posted 02-02-2018 09:17 AM
    The patient must have signed a General Consent to see the other doctor. What does that form say? What does your NPP say?

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    Brenda Manning, JD, CHC, CHPC

    The views expressed herein are my own and do not represent those of my employer. They are not meant to constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.
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    SCCE Membership


  • 3.  RE: Accessing Patient's Chart

    Posted 02-02-2018 03:01 PM

    Brenda, I see your point.  Thanks to you and everyone who responded!  Have a great weekend!

    Cinda

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  • 4.  RE: Accessing Patient's Chart

    Posted 02-03-2018 08:53 AM
    If it's the same CE, it seems to be more of an internal policy issue IMO in terms of business access to the EMR.

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    Brenda Manning, JD, CHC, CHPC

    The views expressed herein are my own and do not represent those of my employer. They are not meant to constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship.
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    SCCE Membership