Q&A: Pacemaker manufacturers seeking information
HIPAA Weekly Advisor, February 9, 2009
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Q. I recently attended a lecture about pacemakers given by a cardiologist. We were told that if a patient does not bring in their wallet-sized manufacturer’s card with the information about the implanted device, we can obtain the information by calling the pacemaker manufacturers directly.
If we give the patient’s name and Social Security number, they will confirm or deny that one of their devices is in the patient and any relevant clinical information if it is indeed their device. We may have to call three or more manufacturers to find the correct information.
Is it a HIPAA violation to give this information to each manufacturer over the phone?
A. No. It is acceptable because this is a legitimate use of information for treatment purposes, and you are allowed to disclose information without authorization for treatment. You should limit the amount of information disclosed to the minimum necessary.
Editor's note: Mary Brandt, president of Bellaire, TX-based Brandt & Associates, LLC, answered this question. This is not legal advice. Consult your attorney regarding legal matters.
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