china61
Stranger
Reged: 11/30/02
Posts: 8
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I used to supplement products from these american OP's when my doctor didn't beleive I needed what I did,until the insurance finally approved an MRI,then as soon as I signed the new "privacy act" papers,my insurance co. called my doctor immediately and told him I was seeing 2 doctors for meds(I ordered ultram to try to stop from getting hooked on oxycontin,which my doctor wouldn't give me) and I was almost shut off.Now the only safe places for op's are in the foreign countries from companies that are totally unrelated to any american company.Just beware.I've had good luck with pharmatico or Interpharm Online.Are there any others people know of that can pass the test? The new laws are being abused already by the insurance co's. 
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Trampy
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/02/02
Posts: 1241
Loc: Southwest U.S.
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It's too late now, but signing away your privacy rights is never a good idea. Under HIPAA, you're guaranteed some new privacy rights but that new law won't do you any good if you sign a blanket release.
None of the overseas OPs discussed here will be sharing your info with American insurance companies unless you tried to claim reimbursement, which would probably be denied anyway.
Trampy
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Your mileage may vary ...
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potatoboy99
Permanent Fixture
Reged: 02/04/03
Posts: 1201
Loc: Deep North (East)
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So my insurance company could have access to the records for the meds I have been prescribed in the past by a domestic OP, like NWW or EVMG for instance, even though I do not claim these meds for reimbursement?
And if so, do I need to sign a privacy waiver for the insurance company to get this information, or can they get it anyway? Even though I do not use my prescription plan for online prescriptions?
What a scary mess the world is turning into.
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Peaceful
Stranger
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 3
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I don't think your insurance company can find out about your medication prescriptions if you have not sought reimbursement for these purchases.
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IMSUSCOT1
Threadhead
Reged: 10/23/02
Posts: 884
Loc: usa
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Whoa, nelly!....I think there's some confusion.....first, the "new privacy act papers" you signed were simply an acknowledgement of the fact that your(you fill in the blank, as all entities you come in contact with will have you sign one) physician's office, specialists office, pharmacy, insurance company, dentist, mental health professional.has infromed you of their compliance with HIPAA, and that they have informed you of your rights regarding "protected health information"...and it has nothing whatsoever to do with homeland security....the papaers you signed came about because the "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability act of 1996" finally went into full effect with regrard to new Privacy Standards requiring all healthcare providers, most insurance carriers, employers, thrid party payors, & claims clearinghouses to conform to HIPAA guidelines. Essentially, except for in the course of treatment and payment for services rendered, none of those entities may release any personally identifiable protected health information about you to any other entity, without your express, specific written consent.
This is a good thing. It actually means that unless you give doctor A specific written consent to talk to Dr B, he cannot. And most certainly, your insurance carrier, under HIPAA, couldn't have called one Dr and give hime such info about your seeing any other doctors. Your state may have monitoring laws and systems set up, and this is the most likely culprit...but it had nothing to do with HIPAA...Also, be aware of the kinds of releeases you DO sign, each time you visit the physician. NEVER sign a "blanket release", that gives a doctor the right to discuss or request and/or send records to any other treatment professionals ....agree only to sign specific releases, naming which individuals may exchange info...ie Dr. Smith may release records and consult with Dr Johnson in relation treatement of (________________condition). I'm the Privacy and Compliance Officer for a Medical Imaging Facility....I had to become very well versed in HIPAA.... here's a link http://answers.hhs.gov
Edited by IMSUSCOT1 (06/12/03 05:21 PM)
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