Types of Protections Under HIPAA

Aspects relating to patients' civil rights within the health care industry are regulated according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA. HIPAA also serves to create a more consumer-friendly health care industry by encouraging efficiency and fraud reduction. However, most health care consumers benefit from the privacy protection requirements established by HIPAA.

Access to Health Information

• HIPAA regulates access to your health information by limiting who may know the current status of your health. For example, you can request that doctors and other health care providers do not reveal information regarding your health to anyone who has not been designated by you. You also may request that only your doctor, and no other health care professional, has access to your medical information, though they may refuse this request as your care may require multiple professionals.

Access to Health Records

• HIPAA provides that you have access to your medical records. Unless your doctor believes that this information may endanger you or others in extreme circumstances, he cannot refuse this request. Additionally, HIPAA grants you the right to amend your health records if you believe there has been an error.

Workplace Protections

• HIPAA does not protect your place of business from requesting a doctor's note from you to verify your illness. However, HIPAA prevents doctors and other health care professionals from requesting your information from your doctor without your permission.