Nikki asks:
     This is nuts! On one hand, privacy is being destroyed in the
USA with
computers and security; yet on the other hand, we have to be careful
about
privacy when one is a patient in a practitioner's office.
     I guess it has to do with people receiving care for HIV?

I don't know if it really has much to do with HIV.  It is the
electronic age that has had a big impact.  With all the data being
kept in computer files, a great deal of the HIPPA regs have to do
with security of such files and being sure access is only open to
those with a legitimate "need to know".  This is one reason
compliance officers get very nervous about any records not part of
the primary IS (information system).  We had to get some very
specific exceptions to be able to keep our consult records in the
TLC program.  We have very strict regulations on how we can print
off reports and exactly what can be done with them.  Originally they
were threatening not to let us use it because it doesn't link to the
hospital's IS.

Computer records are at the same time a boon and a bane!

Winnie

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