More Spin Doctoring Tricks
CategoriesFurther to the post Legalizing the Loss of Freedoms in Canada here is something from the US but everyone should be aware when signing any medical release forms.
Chris Gupta
See also: How to Stop Being Manipulated!
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June 28, 2004Over a year has passed since the so-called medical privacy act went into effect, and already we're careening down the slippery slope Dr. Wright predicted.
This past spring, the Justice Department began an effort to obtain thousands of supposedly confidential medical records in an attempt to defend the ban on partial-birth abortions. Because the medical privacy act went into effect last April, the Justice Department can now request -- and legally obtain -- the records of anyone who had an abortion. Not just the partial-birth type they have banned, mind you: We're talking any and all abortion procedures, for any and all reasons.
Now, I know this is a dicey issue, and it's not my intention to stir up that particular debate here. But I do want you to see the ramifications of this action. It opens the door for all of our medical records to be made available for government inspection -- including sensitive information about substance abuse, psychiatric treatment, sexual abuse, and AIDS, to name just a few. Anything you might hope to keep to yourself is fair game for the Feds.
All I can say is, if you're not upset about this yet, or you think it doesn't affect you, trust me -- you will be, and it will.
But you're not completely helpless in the matter. You can, and should, find out where your state and local representatives stand on this law, and offer them your opposition to it in writing or by telephone. To find out their position, go to www.vote-smart.org and do a search by state to find your senators and congressmen and to research their voting record.
Unfortunately, most lawmakers will admit -- under duress -- that they don't always read the laws they vote on in their entirety (but you should! See "What is... " below). They are subject to the spin of their party, their colleagues, and their President. When faced with a decision, who do you think gets their vote? Right, the best spin.
So don't hesitate to provide a little spin of your own on this one. Your privacy depends on it.
Signing on the dotted line
Q: In the last year, each time I go to the doctor, I have to sign some new "privacy" form. Truthfully, I have never taken the time to read them and now I'm thinking that may not have been so smart. What exactly am I signing and why?
JVW: What you are signing each time you see a doctor is a consent form stating that you have been informed of that office's privacy policy and procedures, and that you grant permission to use your confidential information for various purposes including treatment, reimbursement and marketing. The new form is the result of a good idea gone bad: HIPAA. HIPAA is an acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The deadline for compliance for all "covered entities" (doctors, hospital, insurance companies, pharmacies, etc.) was April 2003.
HIPAA has been "spun" so many ways by so many politicians and government officials that it would make you nauseous just listening to all the doublespeak. Some claim the idea behind HIPAA is that people should be able to keep their insurance coverage when they switch jobs, and insurers shouldn't be able to deny you medical care based on your medical history. That sounds good.
Others say it was just a way to assuage fears of privacy as medical records transition from paper to electronic formats. That sounds good, too.
But if you read the entire law, and see how it's being used now that it's in effect, you'll see why I've been so up in arms about it. Take a look at the October 2002 issue of Nutrition & Healing to read more about the distressing details before you do any more signing. Frankly, you may not have the option of not signing if you want to receive medical care -- but you can at least be truly informed.
What is... HIPAA?
I learned a long time ago that it's important to go to the source of information before listening to a lot of mumbo jumbo about something -- even if you agree with the mumbo jumbo.
On a rainy day, or next time you're heading into the voting booth, you might want to take a moment to review the actual Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 for yourself at: http://aspe.hhs.gov/admnsimp/pl104191.htm.
Here's a little teaser to get you started... "An Act... to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care delivery, to promote the use of medical savings accounts, to improve access to long-term care services and coverage, to simplify the administration of health insurance, and for other purposes."
Hint: Those last four words are the ones to watch out for...
Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & HealingSources:
Ventura, Michael. "Protecting Your Privates," Austin Chronicle, 3/24/04
Copyright (c)2000-2004 by www.wrightnewsletter.com, L.L.C. Health e-Tips may not be posted on commercial sites without written permission.
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posted by Chris Gupta on Tuesday June 29 2004
updated on Saturday September 24 2005URL of this article:
http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/2004/06/29/more_spin_doctoring_tricks.htm
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