Q: Like other hospitals, we have had many patients transported via ambulance with COVID-19 symptoms. Once these patients are tested for the virus, are we permitted under HIPAA to disclose their test results to the first responders who treated them and brought them to the hospital? Should the first responders be made aware when they have interacted with a patient who has tested positive?
Q: How should we report positive COVID-19 cases in ICD-10-CM without respiratory manifestations or any signs or symptoms and no prior suspected exposure?
Q: If an inpatient is transferred before we receive a positive novel coronavirus (COVID-19) lab result, do we need to query the provider to amend the discharge summary to state “COVID-19 positive”?
Q: When our physicians need to talk to a patient’s family about the status of the patient, they usually can do so in a private room near the waiting area. But there have been instances when the private rooms are occupied and the physicians must discuss the status of a patient in the waiting room or in the hallway. Is this permissible under HIPAA?
