Danger, Will Robinson!
Angie’s List has reportedly started offering a new service to resolve complaints consumers/patients may have about their doctors. But to do so, it reportedly requires users to sign a release that is Very Bad News.
According to the Medical Justice Blog, which has called attention to this dangerous release, it says, in part:
[My doctor] is hereby authorized to discuss and disclose all protected health information about me in its possession (whether in oral, written, or electronic form) to Angie’s List….
I understand that this includes routine medical treatment information (such as admission records, doctors order sheets, progress and notes, surgical records, laboratory records, and office notes)…
[My doctor is authorized to send] records relating to communicable diseases – which may include hepatitis, sexually-transmitted diseases, H.I.V. and AIDS. …-)…
[My signature also authorizes my doctor] sending records relating to drug or alcohol abuse, or drug or alcohol related diseases (whether or not covered by 42 C.F.R. Part 2), and psychiatric, psychological or counseling records…
[…]
I understand that information that I provide to Angie’s List or information that is used or disclosed in accordance with this Authorization may be used by Angie’s List to provide content for Angie’s List publications such as magazines, websites, or other works…
Wow. Angie’s List is not a HIPAA-covered entity. While patients can waive their own privacy and confidentiality and send anyone their records, no HIPAA-covered entity should participate in this at all. And frankly, neither should any patient, in my opinion.
Patients: if you have a complaint that you can’t resolve with your physician or health care provider, there are professional boards to hear your complaint. And if you can’t convince them, see a lawyer about your legal options. Sharing your sensitive information with a business is just plain privacy-dangerous.