Q: I work in a residential care facility, and we have smart speakers in some resident rooms. Patient information is discussed where these smart devices can “hear” it. Although most manufacturers claim speakers are not “listening in,” we all hear about how speakers sometimes do what manufacturers say they do not. Could these speakers lead to a HIPAA violation?
Q: A patient presents to a wound care clinic for assessment of a 15 sq. cm open wound. A nurse evaluates the wound for size, depth, and evidence of inflammation and performs sharp selective debridement. Would it be appropriate to bill an E/M code and if so, should we report modifier -25?
Q: Is there anything that a hospital needs to do regarding HIPAA and the confidentiality of famous patients? Obviously employees shouldn’t snoop, but can you recommend any added protections?
