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Obtaining Patient Conditions Reports
| Obtaining Patient Condition Reports | |
The most recent HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) guidelines went into effect in April 2003. It has helped to further protect the privacy of our patients and has changed the way medical information about patients can be released. In most cases, UNC Health Care will release a one-word condition report; good, fair, serious, critical or deceased. The reporter's query must include the patient's correct name. However, under federal patient privacy rules (HIPAA), patients have the right to "opt out" and block release of this information. When a patient "opts out," no information can be released about that patient nor can it be acknowledged that the person is a patient at a UNC Health Care facility. The medical center will release a one-word condition report on a patient's status upon request (good, fair, serious, critical or deceased). The reporter's query must include the patient's correct name. From 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, reporters may call (919) 966-3366 to request a condition report. At other times, call the Hospitals switchboard at (919) 966-4131 and tell the operator you would like to know a patient's condition. The operator will connect you with the appropriate source. Patient Condition Definitions:
Source: American Hospital Association |
