Guard Patient Privacy at the Front Desk

Written by Reed Tinsley | March 17, 2009

 

By now everyone should be in HIPAA compliance and know the rules. Here are three things that you may not have thought about, but could land your practice in hot water:

• Don’t Turn Your Back. Make sure your screen is angled to prevent anyone from seeing patient data. You may want to invest in a privacy screen or program that will keep the screen blank when you are away from your desk.

• Know Who’s Listening. When speaking to the patient or his family, keep your voice low so people in the waiting room don’t hear.

• Leave Work at Work. Never speak about a patient’s medical condition or other personal data in a public place where someone can overhear your conversation.

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.

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