If the employer wants access to your records, you must supply your permission, in writing, for her to do so.
10 Myths About HIPAA, Patients and Medical Records Privacy
By Trisha Torrey, About.com
Updated March 15, 2009
HIPAA expressly prohibits employers from accessing a patient's records, regardless of the fact that they are paying for care. This applies whether the employer participates in an outside insurance plan, or is self-insured.
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- Myth #1: HIPAA prevents sharing of information to family members.
- Myth #2: Only patients or caregivers may get copies of health records.
- Myth #3: Employers are payers, and can gain access to an employee's records.
- Myth #4: HIPAA laws prevent doctors from exchanging email with their patients.
- Myth #5: Providers are required by law to provide all medical records to you.
- Myth #6: Patients denied access to their records may sue to get copies.
- Myth #7: HIPAA laws cover privacy and security for all medical records.
- Myth #8: Providers are required to correct any errors found in patient records.
- Myth #9: Your health and medical records cannot affect your credit records.
- Myth #10: Medical information cannot be legally sold or used for marketing.
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