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“Weaponization of the EMR and HIPAA Against Physicians” by Steven P. LaRosa, M.D.

As a consequence of the Affordable Care Act hospitals were required to implement an electronic medical record (EMR) in the care of patients. These EMRs that we use are largely designed to code and bill but we are completely dependent on them to get the necessary data on patients to care for them. Employed physicians willingly sign on to use these EMRs and undergo the necessary training to use them effectively. What we don’t realize when we sign on is that every key stroke, medical record and tab is being prospectively audited behind the scenes. The reason this is being done is to protect the privacy of patients as outlined by the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996). This is a noble pursuit as whom amongst us wants sensitive information about us accessed by someone who is not caring for us and who could destroy our personal lives or careers with the information obtained.

The trouble with the EMR auditing for HIPAA is that it flies in the face of how doctors practice and how this auditing information can be used. All physicians are approached numerous times by friends, family members and colleagues with requests for medical advice on pieces of data that can only be accessed via the EMR. As physicians by nature want to help people we think nothing of doling out countless free advice without entering into a physician-patient relationship. We also are far too busy to get written documentation approving our review of the EMR by each entity that enlists our help. Essentially all caring physicians commit countless HIPAA violations in an effort to help people. I would also daresay that these “violations” have probably saved countless lies. The problem lies when a hospital or health care corporation can use a “HIPAA violation” as a reason to terminate a physician that they are not really fond of for any number of reasons. I liken this to when the federal government uses tax evasion to convict a member of the mafia. You utilize whatever weapon that will complete the task.

So the next time you enter an EMR on someone who you are trying to help but who is not your patient, ask yourself how well you are thought of by your hospital employer and if you better get written authorization by the requesting entity to access their medical record.

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