Case Scenario:
You have registered as a patient at the Norwalk Walk-In Clinic. You observe the following.
The registration sheet, which you signed, lists all of the names of the people who have registered that day. It is left on the counter of the registration table. Once you have signed in, you are immediately asked to sit down, with no other paperwork presented. As you are sitting there, a public relations staff member takes a photo of the clinic area.
When the physician is ready to see you, your name is called out. After the nurse takes your vital signs, she writes it down in your medical chart. The chart is reviewed by the physician. The physician in your case is not an employee of the walk-in clinic.
The physician recommends that you see a specialist at Norwalk Hospital. The physician talks to the specialist about your condition over the phone. Your file is transcribed and sent to the director of medical records. The treatment that you received at the clinic is recorded in your file and this information is sent to your insurance company for billing.
You are sent a bill and you fail to pay it timely. A collection agency contracted by the hospital sends you a notice, which has all of the information about your clinic visit and various charges.
Identify and discuss all of the HIPAA violations. Also point out situations that do not represent HIPAA violations. For those situations in which you believe a violation has taken place, make a recommendation to correct them.
Your answer must be typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one-inch margins on all sides, APA format.