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10 Myths About HIPAA, Patients and Medical Records Privacy

By , About.com Guide

Updated March 15, 2009

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Myth #3: Employers are payers, and can gain access to an employee's records.

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.

If the employer wants access to your records, you must supply your permission, in writing, for her to do so.

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  6. Myth 3 -- Employers can gain access to an employee's records because they are a payer.

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