Due to the time I spent in the healthcare technology industry, I notice some HIPAA problems when they occur.
The Pharmacy Gave Me The Wrong Prescription
When I pulled up to the drive up window to pick up my prescription and said my name, the woman at the window came back with a bag containing medication and I took the bag, paid, and drove away. I was about one block away before my cell phone rang.
Me: "Hello?"
PH: (pharmacy) "Hello, Ms. Whatsup? You just picked up a prescription and when you said you name I thought I heard this name. I gave you the wrong medication."
She goes on for a bit telling me why my name sounds the same as another name. (same first initial, same last name)
When I went back to pick up my blood pressure medication, the pharmacy worker continued to tell me how much my name sounds the same as another name.
(its a small town)
Me: "Yes, she is my adult daughter."
*We live in the same town, but not the same house, block, etc.
PH: [looking very nervous] "I am very sorry,.. blah, blah . . ., I'm sorry"
Me: "No harm in this case."
The interesting part is although neither me or my daughter would have been worried about it. This could have been a huge problem for the pharmacy worker as well as the Pharmacy.
Neither of us (daughter or I) had a legal case in this situation due to not suffering harm or loss. (nor did I care that much) However, It could have kicked off an entire chain of events forcing the Pharmacy to spend more time and money on procedure, training, and documentation. Depending on if and where I filed a compliant there may have been an outside audit of their privacy protocols new requirements drafted, etc.
Why is HIPAA even a law? (applied to this situation) In theory, I could have read the prescription and with the right amount of knowledge (or Google) I could have narrowed down or identified a private medical condition violating another person's health information.
The situation reminded me how expensive it is for healthcare professionals to try to protect this information. Yet, getting signed off on HIPAA training is extremely easy and the tests are usually implemented across every staff member that works for a company regularly handling this information. Hundreds of people can legally access your healthcare information in a single day, especially if you have an active or complex medical condition.
Is this law of any benefit?
My thought is yes. (key word "any")
Like any protective regulation, is it worth the cost?
I think it is extremely questionable. (opinion)
A legal opinion on HIPAA violations and pharmacies: PHARMACY TIMES NEWSLETTER
What is HIPAA?
http://searchhealthit.techtarget.com/definition/HIPAA
You know ,here in Latvia pharmacy is in really dip, hope soon everything will be changing soon.
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My grandfather who was a physician in Canada one time prescribed the wrong medication to a patient when he was in his seventies and nearing his retirement. As a result the patient had a massive heart attack and almost died. Weeks Later the College of Physicians revoked his license and he could no longer practice medicine. It's pretty sad how small mistakes like this, can have detrimental effects to everyone involved. I'm happy to see that no one got hurt in this situation
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Getting the wrong medication is a big concern of mine, it's more common than people imagine.
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When it comes to capitalism everyone would give you anything that will be wrong and even if it's with the right label at the end of the day it's still wrong.
I try to take as less as possible pills for whatever it might. Be honestly
Hope you get well and find a solution to your needs friend..
Goldie
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Great
Followed , Upvoted
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I'm paying for every single thing here, even if you just need some paper from doctor, can't get it for free.
Old woman is asking in the hospital: "I have cataraga I need a surgery, when I can get it?"
"For free- here is a long line, so should wait till middle of next year..." say woman in hospital" of course old lady walks away, problem solved.
After that I asked: "I got simular thing and need doctor and i can pay "
The answer was: " I can write you up next week"
It that easy here. Don't have a money- doctors can't help, reality!
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The most important thing is no one got hurt. I'm a pharmacist and always need to watch out for filling and giving out the correct medication to each patient.
Training for yourself and staff is important for sure!
Follow me if interested in health topics. I'll be making a video on vaccines next!
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