Although HIPAA was implemented to promote patient safety, many medical professionals believe it negatively impacts patient care, according to HCP Live.
Here are five key thoughts:
1. Some medical professionals do not disclose any patient information, often due to the advice of their legal counsel. The failure to share pertinent information may negatively impact patient care and hinder the medical community's continued learning.
2. HIPAA has incited a culture of paranoia, in which providers may face repercussions for accidentally sending patient information to the wrong physician.
3. Under HIPAA, providers must be careful when discussing a patient's care with his or her family. Various hospitals impose rules making one patient's family member the sole point of contact, which places a lot of responsibility on one person.
4. Various facilities had to redesign waiting areas to allow for separate conference areas for families or put in new systems for surgical patients. The funds allocated toward these updates could be directed toward enhancing patient care.
5. Some experts claim medical professionals need more training and dialogue about the proper application of HIPAA provisions.
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