patient confidentiality

1. Patient Confidentiality is Critical to Organizational Success Every Employee is Responsible for keeping Patient Confidentiality

2. Patients have the right to expect their medical records are treated as confidential, and our organization’s personnel have an obligation to safeguard Protected HealthInformation against unauthorized disclosure. Our organization is HIPAAcompliant and all employees are expected to follow HIPAA guidelines, policies andprocedures.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1203646

3. The primary purpose of the medical record is to document the course of a patient’s illness and treatment during all periods of the patient’s care. The medical record is extremely important as a permanent account of the patient care provided. It serves as a means of communication between physician and other health care professionals.

4. Best Office Practices Employees do not discuss patients in public or within the vicinity of other patients. Patient lists, charts, and confidential papers are kept out of patient view. Never leaving a workstation signed on or left unattended with access to confidential health information Computer screens are angled to prevent patient view and are promptly placed on neutral after finishing current task. Papers that contain Patient Health Information and are ready for disposal will be placed in a container stored for shredding and not disposed in the regular trash or recycling.

5. Inappropriate or Misuse of Patient Information is grounds for dismissal and punishable by law

6. Employee Responsibility All employees are responsible for the proper handling of patient information, whether verbally or physically You will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement before you begin your experience here.

7. Individual and Team Responsibility It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard and secure confidential health information and to respect the patient’s privacy. It’s your responsibility to become familiar with and follow the guidelines outlined in these policies and procedures.

8. Remember to keep it to yourself.Access only information needed to do your job.Use and disclose the least amount of information necessary to carry out your job responsibilities.Limit unavoidable sharing of information.Always check with your supervisor if you are unsure of anything and you can also visit the below HIPPA website for more information. http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/p rivacy/hipaa/understanding/index.html