September - 2010Four Tips to Protect Your Personal Health Information
As the healthcare industry moves closer to electronic health information systems, concerns for privacy of health information continue to be an important issue. The increased availability of electronic health information carries significant benefits, but you need to maintain a healthy awareness of the risks and play an active role in monitoring your health information. As Health Information Privacy and Security Week approaches, April 8–14, Jennifer Toedte, the Director of Medical Records at Carlinville Area Hospital provides four tips for protecting your personal health information:
1. Understand your information rights as a healthcare consumer. You have the right to view and receive copies of your medical information; request amendments or corrections of information you believe to be incorrect; know who has reviewed or received copies of your medical information; and the right to complain about medical privacy practices or breaches of privacy.
2. Read the Notice of Privacy Practices that your healthcare provider and health plan are required to provide to you at the time of service or upon request. Understand your rights, what types of information are maintained, and how each entity uses or handles it.
3. Be aware that not all organizations or entities that collect and maintain your health information are covered by federal or state privacy laws.
4. Obtain and maintain copies of your medical records and information so you can use the information to monitor your care and spot any errors in the information.
Health Information Privacy and Security Week is sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This year’s theme is “Keeping It Personal—Health Information You Can Trust.” The week is designed to raise awareness among the public about the importance of personal health information privacy and security. If you have questions related to your health information record, please feel free to call 854-3141 and ask for the Hospital’s Privacy Officer, Jennifer Toedte.
Posted: 04/11/2007
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