Medical Billing Forum
Payments => Patient Billing => : peanut10022001 October 19, 2011, 06:38:46 PM
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I am working at a psychology group I was told it is a HIPPA violation to write patients name on the deposit slip.
I understand this is not good practice but I disagree about a violation.
I need to find documentation regarding this.
Thanks
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If you are writing the patient's full name on the deposit slip, it IS a HIPPA violation. An account number or 1st initial and last name would be fine though.
An example as to why it would be a HIPPA violation. Say the provider is the only STD doctor in town, you write the patient's full name on the deposit slip (and imagine it was YOUR name) and now the people at the local bank branch (who know everyone in town) saw your name........In Chicago it may not matter, or for a family doctor it may not matter, but we're talking worst case scenario.
Most HIPPA documentation says not to talk about, show, or have in writing, patient's names, using this worst case scenario sort of example.
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don't they see the check, which has the patient's name on it?
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Yes, (brilliant point, by the way) but in that instance the patient provided that information, not the provider. It's a flawed system, but we have to protect ourselves from the repercussions. At least make the attempt to not give more information than necessary.
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No, it's actually NOT because banks must adhere to privacy laws as well and the deposit slips are covered under their privacy (banking and financing) HOWEVER.. I do not recommend clients do that. I have some that use patient acct numbers and some will use 3 letters of last name or even first initial and 3 letters of last name.. anything but the full name just to be safe. Like Deken said, they see the checks ::)
And not to be a stickler... I'm a terrible speller.. but it's HIPAA not HIPPA.. LOL
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What is the acronym? Health (H) Information (I) Privacy (P) Accountability (A) Act (A) ????? HIPAA. I'll hammer that into my brain!
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Health Insurance Portability and Acountability Act Banks however have to adhere to ALL privacy laws.