Patient care is not confined to a single office or exam room, or a single physician or other provider. Caring for patients these days now includes complex coordination among physicians, nurse, technicians, staff, management, and others. Technology connects us at all hours and in all places to provide prompt care, whether on call or not. In a more mobile society, patients expect more. We want to give them more because we want to care for our patients. The addition of electronic medical records and greater mobility create complex privacy issues, and the federal agencies enforcing federal laws and regulations meant to protect patients from harmful disclosure of protected health information (PHI) have recently shown no mercy to one provider.

Many lessons can be learned from this true story. It's another reminder to thoughtfully and regularly update HIPAA policy and procedure manuals and be especially aware of PHI leaving the office.

Originally printed in the Birmingham Medical News - April 2016.