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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Ever hear of confidentiality? nm

Posted By: anon on 2005-12-17
In Reply to: I would like to see more responses (SM) - MoodyJen

nm


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What about EMR and confidentiality? sm
Have a bad neighbor who is a CNA (the worst-behaved person, drinks, yells, swears all day) and she now has access to medical records at a hospital. Someone was in the hospital anonymously but she proudly announced she "found" them and what was wrong with them, etc. How are we going to prevent people working in hospitals or nursing homes, etc., from accessing ours or our loved ones medical records? I see one heck of a mess here! My doc went EMR and now I am very careful what I say to him, some things I should tell him, I do not because I don't want it read by the whole neighborhood. What's your opinion on this?
PS to confidentiality breach
I should have said they "had" their confidentiality breached by others. The hospital was very apologetic of this and does not know who did it but called in federal investigators to find the source of the poster on the website.
security, confidentiality, etc...
I also have a home computer and all the same programs on a laptop to use when I travel. It's no different than my home computer. When I type at home, I am typing in my living room with my husband and son moving all around me. (We're remodeling right now.) They respect that what I am typing is no one's business and they have never even offered to look or ask what's going on. Furthermore, this is a family computer, not provided by work. They are on the computer quite alot when I'm not. The program in which I transcribe is password protected and the information on patients is not stored locally, but on a server 1000 miles from here. That's about as secure as you can get. Then, that is not to mention that I have a wireless network here at home, as well as when I travel. With a password and a good firewall, security is just not an issue. Also, see the post from Just Me a few down, about networks. She is correct. (I also have worked in IT for many years.) Hotels ARE secure networks with original passwords. The last one I worked in had to give me a new password daily. Working at McDonald's or an Internet Cafe is what wouldn't be safe.

As for the laptop... like I said for my main job, no patient information is stored on my hard drive, but at a server away from me. I have a local account also, and once I do the work and send it in, it is deleted. I personally don't see the concern. There's not any point when I'm traveling that I have patient data stored on the laptop. The only way anyone could get patient information off of it is if they bust in the door while I'm working and jerk it from me mid-note.
Patient confidentiality
I remember when I first started out in MT in a hospital part of medical records confidentiality agreement was that we only had access to records on an as needed basis and were not to be talking to anyone about the things we transcribed even if it was a relative, family member, etc. That was gee now close to 10 years ago.

I know like others on the board, it would be nice to know what EMR will mean for all of us. If we are to be out of jobs, I would sure like to know now so that I can start planning financially. Also, as I have been searching for more information on implementation of EMRs, the more I get concerned myself about my personal information possibly being spread. Given my still rather young age of 31 and having no medical conditions requiring medical attention/medication, it really makes me wonder if I may want to look more into alternative medical care or a private physician who has alternative medicine in addition to medicine as we currently know it.
Confidentiality Agreement
Does anyone have a generic confidentiality agreement that they use for their clients.  I have new doc, and I don't have any agreement in my file.  I have signed theirs, but do not have one to offer the new doc.  Anybody have one or know where I can find one?  Thanks so much.
Confidentiality Agreement
There was an Agreement of Confidentialty that was posted on 05/20/09 by DeeAnn. that was really good. Hope this helps.
I have never signed a confidentiality notice that says
I can't mention what account I type on - I know they always say not to contact that place or try to get a job with them, etc., and I don't see the big deal either. I can't see why a company would care if someone knows what hospital you type for. I guess some places are just different, but seeing as how I assume she hasn't signed anything since she just accepted the job, I really don't see how they could not hire her because she mentioned that, not knowing that they didn't want her to. That's just my opinion though.
Hospital confidentiality breach in RI.
A hospital in Rhode Island breached patient information of over 2000. Federal investigation underway. Patient's names, SS#, telephone, etc., put out for all to see and caught by a patient who "googled" her own name. They say it was only face sheet info and hospital offered to pay for credit check or credit fraud alert. (Which is free by the way!) So please be careful who you get involved with. I don't believe it was medical transcription or medical records since it was face sheet information but believe me, all subcontractors to this hospital are now on alert and you should be as well. It's out there! The scum bags who post info are at it again. They also had a scandal at a RI supermarket chain where the credit card swiping machines were altered by crooks who are being charged with federal crimes, two would keep the cashiers busy while another would alter the card swiping machine, put it back to collect information, then come in again, take out the swiping info and people as far away as California were charging to these poor innocent people in RI whose cards were swiped while doing their weekly shopping. So don't think your information is safe anywhere. These stories can be confirmed by the local newspaper in RI, "The Providence Journal" at their website, "projo.com". Check it out!!
Absolutely Not. That is against HIPAA and will cause confidentiality breaches, nm
x
You should have signed a confidentiality agreement which allows you to type this unless-
you do not feel comfortable typing it, in which case I would ask my supe to reassign it.
The buck stops with you (all of us). What confidentiality means is

that you/me, the MT, do not discuss the name and contents of a report with anyone outside the immediate realm of responsibility and only within a professional context. 


If you feel really uncomfortable with doing it and have the option of sending it back for someone else to do, that acceptable but not entirely necessary.


If you *have* to do a report on someone you know, do it, and put it out of your mind.  If you see that person, you cannot discuss anything about it with them, even if they ask.  The onus is upon us to keep.our.mouths.shut.  That is all that confidentiality entails.


 


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when you work for a national, you sign a confidentiality agreement...?
the same rules would apply, and you must have signed a confidentiality agreement with whomever you work for. you can be fired, if breached.

my opinion, as a professional, you transcribe it and mums the word...

when I worked in a hospital, someone was caught 'sharing' information about the CEO from a transcription report, and was fired on the spot.
It's a written rule in some companies confidentiality agreement.
I know my company has it as a written rule so it just is not good business. I would think an MT would know this
IMO, you violated a patient's confidentiality by even posting about this - that you transcribed t
I know you didn't give any personal info, but even mentioning this in a public forum on the "world wide web"  - I don't know, I would consider that a violation of medical record confidentiality.  I know some may post a sentence or a blooper or something, but this is probably something I would have kept to myself... I am sure you thought what an interesting coincidence when you show the show, but my opinion is you should have kept it to yourself, and if I was the transcription supervisor at your hospital and I found out you had posted on this.... well I would think that would be reason for discipline.  No offense meant, just my opinion. 
Brain dead today - or is it hear hear? I'm going to bed.
nm
Marry me?! :) Seriously...hear, hear. Good post. - nm
xx
Hear, hear! I agree with Dakota - sm
The MTSO should be giving feedback to the hospital/doctors who slur, speak too rapidly, etc. They need to pull up their socks! And there's no reason why these doctors shouldn't be given an outline of what is expected from them when they dictate, such as cell phones, chewing food, candy, gum, etc.
i hear you
That sounds like my husband. If he gets "stuck" with the kids the my job interferes with the family life, but when there are too many bills to pay, I spend too much money. I can never win.
I am so sorry to hear about your dog. SM
I know how sad it is to lose a beloved pet.  I have lost many over my lifetime and they all stay in my memory.  My condolences to you. 
i hear it also....

i'm divorced and get told 'how will you ever meet someone if you don't leave the house'.


i also get neighbors asking me to watch for deliveries, let repairmen in, let their dogs out.....just because i'm home they think i'm in front of the tv eating bon bons....when actually i'm posting on this board!!


I hear you
Good for you! Couldn't be more proud!
I want to hear more about this. Seriously.
..
I hear ya - sm
Hard to be the disciplinarian without the support of the husband or grandparents.

Of course, then when they get older and get into more serious trouble as time goes by, it will be YOUR fault for not disciplining them too.

Same old story around here too.

Stand your ground mom. Tough as it is, I know. You gotta do it.
Did you hear or see this anywhere
else besides on this board?? I haven't heard that - that is very scary. Hope it is just rumor.
I hear what you are saying.

My husband is a school custodian for a K-12 school.  My daughter graduated a couple years ago, so I no longer have a kid in school.  There were teachers along and along that I did not agree with, but there are always channels to go through.  There will always be kids who are picked on.  Unfortunately, the parents of the bullies are going to take up for their little angels as well.  One of our first graders held a sharpened pencil to the throat of another student, and made threats to the teachers.  They tried to get the child removed from the classroom and the local board of education would not cooperate.  The teachers walk a fine line.  They are expected to protect all the children, but they are not allowed to do very much with little devils like this.  We had a coach that the parents tried to run off because he tried to teach some of the 16-17 year-old babies some discipline.  I am not talking about slamming them up against the wall.  I am just talking about things like making the guys on the team (heaven forbid) tuck their shirt tails in.  You would be amazed at the little things that can cause such a stink.  I had a teacher tell my daughter she did not agree with my parenting techniques, so it can go both ways. (My daugher was 17) Since my husband works there, I know these teachers.  The teacher is a basically good person, we just had a disagreement.  I was respectful when I talked to her in front of my daughter, and I expect my daughter to behave in a similar manner.  I have noticed that most of the bullies in school have parents that are also bullies.  We have resource officers at the school to help pretect the children.  Unfortunately, these officers have also been called on to protect the teachers from very real threats from students and parents.  While I agree that parents definitely need to know what is going on with their child in school, if some of the parents I know showed up at school every day it would be impossible for the teachers to actually teach classes.  These teachers have to teach the whole class, not just your child.  There is no way they are going to please all the parents and still do their job.  There is also no way on this earth I would be a teacher these days. 


Where did you hear this?
Do you have anymore information regarding this?  I tried to look up on the IRS website, but couldn't find anything.  I think that would be great for everyone to donate 1 vacation day, that would add up to a lot!!
Sorry to hear that you and your...sm

husband aren't getting along!


LOL...I hear that! sm
Used to work for YOG/MQ...glad I got out when I did.  Talk about stress...yikes!!!
We need to hear more
About the Teamsters in LA who said they would take us on. Back last week I believe the question was asked about unions and a reply came back that LA Teamsters were interested in us, but no more details were given. Maybe that should be Monday's job, track them down in LA and see what's up.
Where did you hear that it
doesn't start until January?
I hear ya...

...all the songs you mentioned..."Something", too.  Don't get me started either...LOL  


In my 10th grade English class we had to pick a poem to read in front of the class...I read the lyrics from "Lucy"...a few people were looking at me like I was crazy & I just thought "Oh well, you just don't get it." 


Yep, we sure could use his humor these days, that's for sure!! 


At least, if what I believe is true, he's in a much better place...I can just see him looking down & shaking his head.  Just imagine what kind of songs he'd be writing now!


Oh, where's a peace sign emoticon when you need one...LOL


I hear ya!
Yeah, except we don't get $50,000 after eating the slime and rotten fish.
I hear ya
Crap, crap and more crap being left. Don't these little cherrypickers know how to do HARD LONG REPORTS???
I hear ya!

Just two months ago, I started to IC for a large cardiology group.  The in-house wanted a day off during the week, so I was going to fill in for her at home.  Let me tell you, she was a nut and faxed me corrections for the weirdest stuff.  Needless to say, I quit that place after two days of filling in!  There is always work out there and I found a much better office where I am averaging around $200.00 per tape!


Best of luck to you!


I hear ya.........
I'm in the same position. Left a great IC position (small company) for employee status but I can't seem to find what I had before with the big guys. They all seem to lie and treat their MTs like slaves. Wish I could go back to the old position but I need to work as an employee for many reasons. Suks, huh?
I hear ya.
Next time invite them over for coffe and let them listen to a few ESL dictators!!!!  HA.  See how fast they run out the door........ LOL
I hear you!
My response to all is asking them to spell esophagogastroduodenoscopy. My aunt is the worst! She still calls me a stay at home MOM!!!
Don't need to hear this
Oh my God!  This is the frist year I've worked as an IC and had deductions for it. I also owe the IRS a lot of $$ for other reasons and I'll be paying it off for years and years..  It is scary to hear this.   I haven't done anything wrong but if they audit me I'll shoot myself.  But just think--Exxon paid NO TAXES this year..  I guess that is why the IRS needs to go after the big bucks from us MTs.   
I hear ya
I am in the same boat. I have been working two jobs and working extra on both due to finances and such. I too am the only one who can. My BF thinks it is terrible when he has to work an actual 8 hours (his job if he is done he works however many and gets paid for 8,sometimes 5 or 6 but with the holiday an actual 7 or 8). They think it is just awful if I ask for extra help. I am worn out. Today I just finished one job fixing to start the full time one and have a roast cooking, clothes washing, and candy chilling in the fridge. Teenage stepdaughter keeps coming in her asking what I am doing and talking chit chat. I have said a million times what I am doing. I am also eating lunch in here somewhere. Oh and I am having some endometriosis flare up and a cold. I am about to blow my top. I can feel your pain.
I hear you!
I had a dream last night in which I asked my family physician whether carrying 30 lb extra weight could be any worse than my 3/4 pack per day smoking habit. The dream ended without an answer. But, seriously, this occurred to me - starting cigs again until I realized I could start smoking and be a smoker AND 30 lb overweight! At least without SOB, I can attempt to increase metabolism with cardiovascular exercise. Considered Phentermine too but it would probably send me to the convenience store for a pack of smokes since they make you very fidgity.

I pulled out the pressure cooker for fast steamed veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots) and bought potatoes for baking. Tea and fruit juices for in between meals.

Not what I want to hear!
I may be needing a hysterectomy soon -- going for second opinion next week. Hoping I can get by with an ablation. I'm an MTSO -- definitely don't have time to be off my feet for that long - was hoping I could be proofing and editing at least by end of first week if I have to have a hyst.  Maybe not, huh??  Maybe it's easier to live with the bleeding!!!  NOT!  Best of luck to you all!!
I hear YOU!

Remember, you must FORCE yourself to be "up."  You must think positive and above all else, say prayers once a day at least and thank God for ALL your blessings.  Most of us have so many blessings to be grateful for.


HANG IN THERE!!!!


 


Yep, I hear ya
I posted something similar a year or so ago, was making 10 cpl, seldom ran out of work, could name my own hours and production quota, plus I had another, 12-mo contract for 18 cpl -- and I still asked if this is all there is to my life? I know exactly where you're coming from.

Here's what I did:

When my 18 cpl contract expired, I quit my other service and swore myself into retirement out of sheer frustration at the constant demand for production. I worked "people jobs" for 6 months - deli, sales, anything away from a keyboard and computer. I responded to a med facility ad for purchasing and ended up in the med recs department, expecting to learn coding but wound up transcribing 6 hours a day instead, and filing for $20/hour. Ugh! I've since given notice and plan to take up where I left off at my own MT business and, this time, relax and do only what I enjoy. No more huge line counts or threats of "or else" for me. I'll find a service that's flexible, pick up the odd contract here and there that doesn't require me to be on the keys 12 hours a day, and get some gardening and kayaking done.

At my age with more than 25 years in this business, I'm finally realizing I don't have to compete with the newbies, nor do I have to put CMT after my name, although I did it once. I work for ME and from now on, it'll be as I enjoy it since I obviously am meant to be in this business.

I wish you gooooood luck. You may just need a break to gain new perspective. It's done wonders for me. :-)
I hear you! (sm)
Yes, as another poster said, you /can/ ignore them, but . . . maybe it's only me, but I always feel this niggling bit of discomfort.  Am I absolutely, positively sure it's not me?
I hear ya
Just be careful with the shoulder thing if you keep at MT. I ignored some shoulder pain for quite a while and ended up with a frozen shoulder about this time last year, couldn't put my arm behind my back, woke me up at night when I would turn wrong on it, etc. Very painful and annoying, had to do PT for 2 months but got almost full range back, not quite. Doc said it was probably a result of continued strain from something I was doing wrong with typing. I'm trying to save up to buy a new desk that is more ergonomic. Also, if you keep doing MT, I think it's important to do some strength exercises to keep from atrophying from the sedentary work. I can't believe how much my body has deteriorated in the years I've been doing this, and even more so since going more full time, let alone the wide butt! It was one of my New Year's resolutions to get back to a regular training program, but here I am still not doing it due to changes with my job and schedule, looking for other jobs, testing, let alone any family life, basically too exhausted right now, although I know if I could just get started, it would help so much!  Sorry for the long message, just wanted to tell you to listen to your body if something is hurting!  I don't really miss the office politics and drama, having to dress up to go to work, the commute, but sometimes I do miss having someone to visit with. Good luck to you!
I hear ya (sm)
My little boy wasn't gaining much weight so the doc wanted me to nurse q.2h.-- even through the night. And not 2 hours from when he was done, 2 hours from when he started. I'd no sooner than get to sleep and my daughter would wake up. WHAAAAAA!!! But, hey, I lived through it :-)
sorry to hear this
But, from someone who has been in this business for a long time, I can tell you that many MTSOs both large and small are not charging more for transcription services than we were 5 or even 10 years ago.  The price of transcription has diminished that's for sure.  Technology, outsourcing, etc.   The list of things to 'blame" is very long, as you know!
You have to hear these!!!!
These are absolutely hilarious!!!  And all SO TRUE!!!!  I thought about letting my husband hear, but I don't think he would understand.  Only true MTs will get these!!!
I hear ya (sm)

I've been at home full-time just a little over half a year.  I don't think it's drained my sense of humor or anything, but I find I am much less tolerant of annoyances.  I get really antsy being alone all day, but a good weekend usually relieves all that.  Then I have to jump back into it again.

Not sure I have advice, per se, but I hear ya!


I hear that (sm)

They do seem to have a clue and have no problem with pocketing your extra cash that would otherwise go to insurance, car payment, dental expenses, etc.


I gave up looking for a part-time IC job because I was never really an IC.  Best to find your own accounts, even though you don't have much freedom, you will make more money.