Q: Are doctors allowed to ask and record my income in my health records/care notes?
A: Doctors and healthcare providers in Georgia are generally allowed to ask and record information related to your income in your health records or care notes if it is relevant to your medical treatment or care. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) allows for the collection of relevant information that is necessary for providing medical services and coordinating your healthcare. However, it's important to note that healthcare providers are required to handle your personal and medical information with confidentiality and privacy. Your income information should be treated as sensitive medical information and should only be accessed and shared on a need-to-know basis for the purpose of your medical care.
A: You could ask why the information is relevant. Is the doctor trying to determine a measure of economic loss in correlation with a percentage of disability? Does the matter involve a lien where leniency from a medical provider might be applied based on income? Good luck
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