Who Has Official Access To A Vets Medical Records At A Vamc

[rootbeer22]

63SIERRA

The bottom line is that under the HIPPA, it's very very diffucult for anyone to look at your records without your authorization. Sometimes, I think it's good to just "google" the HIPPA to get a sense of how tough the rules really are. Certainly as others have already said, there are exceptions, but many of them are for patient safety and protection. That said, it does amaze me how much information can be gotten on someone for 20 to 25 dollars over the internet? One of the biggest issues right now in terms of personal freedom and civil rights is prescription drugs medications monitoring. Most states have prespription monitoring programs now that can reach into many Vets lives under the "auspices" of "protection". The problem that I see is that once a privacy monitoring program starts, it can be modified later to ask for more and more information..that someone may or may not want to release? Or worse, someone's file gets mixed up with someone who has a very common name like, Lee, Smith and Jones and it's wrong to the point were someone is denied employment, a mortgage or worse their credit report is ruined - then there's a lifelong problem. Frankly, nowadays, if it's intented or not - these monitoring programs come with a cost and that an individuals personal freedom. Frankly, I think that's why folks need to check their medical files to make sure that information that should not be released is in fact - not being released.

[GuaymasJim]

Rootbeer: HIPAA

Berta is correct as usual.

However, during my FTCA, I requested (as is every veteran's legal right) an accounting of every release of, or access to, my Protected Medical Information (PMI) after the malpractice events. I believed, and still believe, that critical information had been removed. I was informed by the IT chiefs that such an accounting while required, was not possible because of the antiquated software the VA uses. We then entered the Federal Court phase of the claim as demanded the same information via the Federal District judge. Same result! As explained to us, anyone with access to the system can view your medical records-even those who you have specifically named as prohibited from access. A "Yes or No I have a legitimate authorization to view" screen will appear, but NO RECORD IS MADE OF WHO MADE THE REQUEST NOR WHEN NOR FROM WHERE!

So to answer your question, anyone with access to the system. Sucks I know!

[63SIERRA]

very shortly after getting prescribed Viagra, my home mailbox was getting flooded with adult type sales solicitations, like performance enhancement cremes, "' accutraments of private nature" ect.. I never got that crap before and I started wondering if my information was being sold. Nothing would surprise me anymore, and I mean nothing..