would not become victims of fraud and abuse. HIPAA has become their answer. You have probably already seen the effects of HIPAA as you sign those privacy forms at your healthcare providers offices and pharmacy. These are part of the new HIPAA law that requires your health care providers to tell you exactly what they intend to do with your information. As a caregiver, it’s important that you know the basics of how the new HIPAA law might affect you and your loved one. The two ‘most important areas involve priva- cy and insurance considerations. Here's a brief overview of these two areas. Greater Privacy HIPAA law requires that your healthcare information remain + Personal Care Asistonts Carlile Nurse Aides Hourly & Liven Bath Visits * Engh Speaking Men & Women Je, Horna he * Medicare Certified + Reged Noes hysical Therapists Qeesptonl Therapists in TREE En secure and private. This means that you are entitled to certain rights regarding your privacy. These are the primary rights you have under the new law. No disclosure without permis- sion. Your health care provider or health plan cannot disclose your health information without your permission. It doesn’t matter whether the information is commu- nicated orally, on paper or electron- ically. Your medical records and any demographic data are protected, For instance, a hospital can publicly state that they performed 234 gall bladder surgeries last year, but they can’t refer to yours specifically No marketing. HIPAA also sets new restrictions on how companies use your information to market products or services. Pharmacies, health plans and other covered enti- ties must first obtain your permis- sion before disclosing your infor- mation for marketing purposes. HH Greater confidentiality in com- munication. The new privacy rule supports those who prefer that their doctors, health plans and other covered entities communicate with them in ways that ensure con- fidentiality. For example, you may request that your physician call you at work rather than home. If you make such a request, the healthcare provider must make an effort to accommodate your preference. Bl Easier access to medical records. You should also find it easier to obtain copies of you medical records and request corrections if you identify errors and_ mistakes. ‘These records should be provided = 555 Skokie Bivd., Suite 500 [Reed LawAssociates, pc. + Medicaid Planning & + Wills Consutting = Trusts * Guardianship Living Trusts * Advance Directives: ~ Special Needs Trusts = Power of Attorney — Disability & Settlement = Living Wit ‘Award Trusts + Nursing Home & = Irevocable Insurance Assisted Living Trusts Counseling ~ Charitable Remainder —Contract review Trusts = Placement “ assistance eral a tot y, oy well * Social Security Ae Benefits & Appeals Kimberly Reed, RN, JD, LLM ExstatePlanning Attorney-at-Law 1787 SSabs 505 Lourl Avene, Suite 203, Highland ar, 60035, ighlond Pork, 60035, www.gentlehomeservices.com Northbrook, IL 60062 847/480-1020 ReedLaw408@aol.com Chicago CAREgiver July/Aug 2003 35