So beyond pissed... HIPPA Breach
I called by doctor yesterday to ask her about being around my grandfather who I knew had shingles. I TOLD the lady who took the message that I hadn't told him yet. I THOUGHT it was a good thing that he sees another doctor in the same practice so they could see how he'd been treated and whatnot. NO...instead they CALLED AND TOLD HIM. I am calling them back and letting them know they not only owe me a MAJOR apology but that they breached privacy laws by calling him.
I wasn't sure exactly what they'd told them, but I got an email from my Grama that her and my Grandpa wouldn't be at the family gathering this weekend. I think they know and and upset that I didn't tell them. And because they are older I don't think they got that it was okay for me to be around him. I'm immune to chicken pox anyway and the doctor said it was fine.
Re: So beyond pissed... HIPPA Breach
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Well, I would call your grandma or grandpa first and see what really happened. If it turns out that the doctor's office really did call your grandpa and inform him of your pregnancy, I would be super pissed. It seems weird though...how did your OB have your grandpa's phone number (even if in the same practice, they shouldn't access other people's patient info). And why would the OB call him? Also, the OB shouldn't have been able to call his physician and get info either. That would also be a HIPAA violation. Definitely do a little sleuthing first. Let us know. I'm sorry if they did divulge your news. That would definitely be infuriating.
Edited - I actually misread this! But as pp said - it is a violation however are you sure it was the doctor's office that breached the confidentiality? That's a serious offense in terms of a fine.
This..
and I'm a little confused who you think told your grandparents? Did you call your Grandfather's doctor about the potential problem of you being exposed to shingles during your pregnancy and you think your grandfather's doctor then called him to tell him that he can't be around pregnant people? If so, I am not 100% sure, but patient confidentiality and HIPPA regulations protect the patient (which would be your grandfather) on a completely separate note, if they did tell your grandfather that you did call and that you are pregnant I am not sure that breaches HIPPA (since your not their patient) but it does breach common courtesy and being a nice human being laws in my book.
ETA : Regardless of if they breached HIPPA laws or not, I would still call them and rip them a new one IF you find out they actually called your Grandparents.
I guess I should clarify who I talked to. I called my family doctor who I have seen since I was born. There are 5 doctors in the practice and my grandpa sees one of them. I didn't call the OB because I haven't even been to the office yet, and I'm *usually* comfortable asking my doc questions. Its the ladies in the office who take the questions, talk to the doctor and call back. When I called I told then my grandpa saw another doctor in the practice and what his name was. I explained he had shingles, but that it have been AT LEAST two weeks and wanted to know when I could be around him again because of it. The only reason I gave his name was in case they could look at his file and see what and when he had been treated with. I wasn't even sure they could because of HIPPA. The office person neglected to write down that he didn't know, even though I told her I was calling because I wanted to know when I could be around him again to tell him in person.
When I called them back, I asked to talk to the office manager, and got the full story. They gave the note to HIS doctor's nurse because she'd know him and his file better. She's the one that called him to explain what was going on that as long as they are dried up and covered I can be around him. Being older, he just took it as he couldn't be around me and emailed. I can't blame the nurse because she would have no way of knowing he hadn't been told.
After the intense anger wore off at the office manager, of course I ended up in tears. And even made her cry too. She admitting that yes, what they had done was a HIPPA breach as well as just plan horrible. She kept asking what they could do, and was very apologetic about it. I ended up telling her that it was too late for me, but that they needed to call and apologize to my grandparents. Their doctor actually called them. I'm glad, because this is not only my first child, but my grandparents first great-grandchild. They ruined a lot for me.
What makes this whole thing ten times worse, is that his shingles are drying up to the point of almost being gone. They are on his side, so always covered by a shirt. There is no reason, as long as I don't touch him, I can't be around. There was no reason he had to know until I was ready. I went to see him last night and explained everything, so at least they know what I wasn't telling them yet. And of course they are happy. But, it still makes me so mad I shake.