Q. We are an MRI facility, and our services are referral- based. Faxing MRI reports to referring providers after radiologist review is our standard procedure. Patients can schedule follow-up appointments with referring providers to obtain results of their MRI scans. Patients regularly request a copy of the report at the time of their MRI scans or within several days of the scan when they pick up a copy of MRI films.
Does HIPAA require us to provide patients a copy of the report even when the provider has not interpreted the report and image?
A patient underwent diagnostic testing in the hospital where she was employed. She received a copy of the laboratory results, and when she read them, she noticed that a physician had noted her employee status. Does this violate HIPAA?
When breaches occur, you are required to notify the affected patients or their legal representatives. A minor child's legal representative is a parent or legal guardian.
