Q: Reception at hospital loudly/publicly discussed my medical care, finances, my injury, payment history, and my looks.
They checked me in and I sat in the waiting room with others. They were commenting on how much I paid on my bill that day, how is the hospital would never see another penny, The fact that I was getting fake teeth (previous boating accident facial trauma) and that it wouldn't help anyway, how they hated me (they lost my credit card once, and management got involved). One receptionist exclaimed "that was HER?! Ewww!" Every person within earshot heard them, I got up and told them that I could hear them that I was sitting right there. The MA came out and took me in right away because they made me cry and I was a little shaky. She couldn't take my blood pressure because I was so upset it was really high. I sat through the whole appointment really upset, it was supposed to be a good day because I was actually getting my final appliance. I don't know what to do but I feel like they either violated HIPAA or knew that I was listening and totally harassed me.
A:
A Michigan attorney could advise best, but your post remains open for three weeks. I'm sorry for your ordeal. You could continue to await a response, or you could consider reaching out to a local attorney to discuss, also looking into whether any state laws apply here. Good luck
Tim Akpinar
A: It's unlikely to be a HIPAA violation. Perhaps unprofessional nonetheless. You may want to use the negative experience as a guide to seek treatment elsewhere if possible.
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