HIPAA Tip:
Using Patient Names
[Posted 12/12/02]

	For More Information HIPAA ToolKit on CD-Rom Total HIPAA: CMA's No-Nonsense HIPAA Compliance Workshop
	NEED MORE HIPAA HELP? CMA members, if you can't find the information you need here, call CMA's HIPAA Hotline at 415/882-3311 or contact CMA's legal information specialists by email at legalinfo@cmanet.org.

Contrary to rumors, HIPAA’s privacy rules do not prohibit the use of patients’ names when calling them from the waiting room to see a physician. You do not have to give them numbers. Consider just using a patient’s first name to minimize disclosure, unless you think the patient would be offended.

Do you have other questions about HIPAA compliance? Sign up for CMA’s Total HIPAA Compliance Workshop today and get the answers you need.

To find a workshop near you, click here.

Contact: CMA's HIPAA Hotline, 415/882-3311 or legalinfo@cmanet.org.

Previous HIPAA Tips:

HIPAA Tip: Using Reminder Postcards

HIPAA Tip: Extension Does Not Apply to Privacy Rule

HIPAA Tip: Inpatient/Outpatient Privacy Notice Requirements Differ

HIPAA Tip: The Extension Deadline Has Passed—Now What?