TAH feeling a bit violated

I returned to work a week ago after having a TAH (7 weeks ago). My boss told me that a couple weeks ago she went to see the same gynecologist I saw for my surgery, and that she asked my doctor about my surgery. My boss incredibly told me that she pretended that I had given her information on how my surgery went so this doctor would feel comfortable opening up to her. She said that the doctor refused to divulge any information. Yay! What upsets me is that my boss does not see that what she did is wrong. I would be ashamed to tell someone that I had even attempted to do this. As someone in a managerial position in a healthcare company, she should know better, especially since it is imperative that we abide by HIPAA laws. Therefore, I find this admission very incredible. In response to what she told me, I said there was no reason for her to do that; if she would like to know something about me she could ask me directly. Going to my physician is not an option and I am glad that my physician obviously honored my privacy and confidentiality. I know my boss is a busy body but I did not expect this. How would you handle this situation? Thank you.

Bang out of order. Can you possibly go higher and report her as you can find out from your dr what she asked as proof. It's totally wrong I would have no trust in that woman

Totally wrong no doubt about it. But maybe in this instance(just playing devil's advocate here) she is not your boss but a frightened woman desperate for information. Maybe she sees that you did well and hopes whatever the gyno did for you she could do for her.

I would report her! What gives her the right?

Way out of line! She needs reporting, as business owners we would never consider or even thought of speaking to our staffs physicians. WOW!!! I'm gobsmacked she thinks this is ok.

This is a violation of the law. Don't just report her to your HR dept or company president, you need to talk to state & federal agencies. This is down right wrong!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by astrana I returned to work a week ago after having a TAH (7 weeks ago). My boss told me that a couple weeks ago she went to see the same gynecologist I saw for my surgery, and that she asked my doctor about my surgery. My boss incredibly told me that she pretended that I had given her information on how my surgery went so this doctor would feel comfortable opening up to her. She said that the doctor refused to divulge any information. Yay! What upsets me is that my boss does not see that what she did is wrong. I would be ashamed to tell someone that I had even attempted to do this. As someone in a managerial position in a healthcare company, she should know better, especially since it is imperative that we abide by HIPAA laws. Therefore, I find this admission very incredible. In response to what she told me, I said there was no reason for her to do that; if she would like to know something about me she could ask me directly. Going to my physician is not an option and I am glad that my physician obviously honored my privacy and confidentiality. I know my boss is a busy body but I did not expect this. How would you handle this situation? Thank you.

This is incredible. Your boss seems like a fool. I'd do two things. I'd formally write the doctor and tell him/her what your boss tried to do, thanking them for protecting your privacy.

Then, I'd write a formal complaint to HR.

Your boss being a busybody does not justify, in any way, shape or form, her trying to violate your medical privacy.

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Originally Posted by mchm Totally wrong no doubt about it. But maybe in this instance(just playing devil's advocate here) she is not your boss but a frightened woman desperate for information. Maybe she sees that you did well and hopes whatever the gyno did for you she could do for her.

I have to call BS on your devil's advocate position. If this woman is trying to collect information for herself, she can ask questions about herself and not a subordinate. She has no busy to ask a doctor about what procedure some other woman had. Further, she can come here or do her own research.

There is no justification for this type of behavior. None.

Whoa! that's quite some nerve there. Thank goodness the doctor held to the doctor's oath.

Wow, I can not believe she even told you she did that. Well done for your doctor in keeping your confidences.