Protecting Your Medical Privacy: A Guide to Reporting HIPAA Violations
Learn how to report a HIPAA violation and what to do if your medical privacy is compromised.
Save 90% on your legal bills
As a patient, your medical records and personal health information are protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, despite these protections, HIPAA violations can still occur. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to report a HIPAA violation and what to do if your medical privacy is compromised.
What is a HIPAA Violation?
A HIPAA violation occurs when a healthcare provider, health plan, or other covered entity discloses your protected health information (PHI) without your consent or in a way that is not authorized by law. This can include sharing your medical records with unauthorized individuals, using your PHI for purposes other than treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, or failing to properly secure your PHI.
How to Report a HIPAA Violation
If you suspect that a HIPAA violation has occurred, you should report it to the appropriate authorities. Here are the steps to take:
Contact the healthcare provider or health plan that you believe has committed the violation. You can do this by calling their customer service number or sending a letter to their complaints department.
File a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). You can do this online or by mail.
Seek legal advice. If you believe that you have been harmed by a HIPAA violation, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in healthcare law.
Keep a record of all communications and documents related to your complaint.
What to Do if Your Medical Privacy is Compromised
If your medical privacy is compromised, you should take the following steps:
Contact your healthcare provider or health plan to report the violation.
File a complaint with the OCR.
Seek legal advice.
Monitor your medical records and credit reports for any signs of identity theft or fraud.
Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report.
Conclusion
Reporting a HIPAA violation is an important step in protecting your medical privacy. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your protected health information is properly secured and that any violations are reported and addressed.
