Do I have a Right To Be Pissed

I'm at my GP. A nurse took me back to a common area (30 mins late) and begins going over a questionnaire I filled out. Depression was listed so I circled yes. She says "so you have depression, do you have any other diagnoses?" I told her I would NOT be answering that question sitting in an area where people are walking back and forth. There was also someone standing behind her. Can we say PHI! From then on my mood changed and I was HOT. I'm not trying to hide my diagnoses from the whole world but only bare minimal people need to know. I told her she COULD have asked me behind closed doors, that's what the rooms are for. That's why the rooms have f#%ing doors. Now I've been sitting in the room for 45 mins.

Yes you absolutely do have a right to be pissed. That was unprofessional of her!

The vast majority of medical offices (and hospital, pharmacies, banks, etc.) have Right to Privacy policies for patients. You have every right not to talk about your problems around strangers, etc.

I even hate reviewing my history chart with my dental hygienist because I'm ashamed of the meds that I take for my disorder. When others find out they become hesitant to be involved with me in any way.

You should report her to the office HIPAA manager, and if it turns out to be her, then you can report the whole clinic. This was a direct violation. No one should be asking you questions like that in the waiting area without your express permission.

I just finished seeing my GP and she totally understood why I was upset. I explained that after I told the nurse the problem, she acted as though I was being unreasonable. The nurse never came in the room and asked me any questions. I wonder if that heifer would like to be asked personal questions in front of people.

Total crap honey. It sounds like you handled it well! You could've said, "YES! Im Bipolar, so watch out or I'll go manic and kick everyone's *** that acts like you right now. Uh oh, I feel switch, you are the trigger BOOM!"

ROFL

I'm a nurse and would NEVER ask a patient any health questions in front of other patients. That is completely unprofessional and a violation of HIPAA to boot, regardless if it's about mental illness or high blood pressure. Shame on that nurse.

Coco, First off I am so sorry any of this happened to you.

Hooray for you for standing your ground and telling the Doctor.. Hippa violations are really hefty fines ! I would imagine the office staff gets an inservice meeting and reminded sternly about proper procedure.

You really need to do that, (at least) for the sake of future patients.

yes i think u handeld it well..u have the right 2 privacy..not evertones buissness

I'm so glad you stood your ground.

That's horrendous. It violates HIPPA, technically against the law. Those questionnaires are either to be filled out by the patient or done verbally in an exam room. I would put in a complaint if I were you. You can ask for the 'practice manager' (at least that's what they're called where I work). I wouldn't want to disclose anything either. Sheesh, so sorry this happened.

I definitely will be putting in a formal complaint. I was given the contact name/number. Thanks for the advise and hugs.

Good for you. This needs to stop.

I hate it when I have to go to the ER because I'm suicidal... the clerk at the front desk asks, what are you here for and you have to say I'm suicidal right there in the waiting room. I only want to talk to medical people, not a minimum wage untrained clerk.