How does the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) restrict access to my health information?
This act was passed by Congress in 1996 to assure that the privacy of your personal health information is protected, while allowing the flow of information needed for your care. It permits the sharing of your information among physicians, hospitals, laboratories and other medical facilities involved in your treatment. With your consent, your personal medical information may also be sent to your insurance company, worker’s compensation agencies, legal offices (if you are involved in a lawsuit) and several other entities. You also may give your consent for someone responsible for your care, like a spouse, to have access to your health information. At Lehigh Valley Health Network, we are committed to efficiently transferring information needed for your medical care, while also ensuring your privacy and complying with all HIPAA regulations.
