Must we tell everyone involved if we received a request forPrivate Communications?

[Jim Moores]

Hi All,     In the Privacy Regulation, it mentions the "right" to ask for Private Communications if the person alleges the potential for harm if the contract holder would find out about a medical encounter  (i.e. 18 year old college student gets birth control pills, and says Daddy would kill me if he found out).  My question is, must we tell everyone involved if we received a request for Private Communications?     Let's put it in this context...  If we receive a 276 claims status request, should we inform the provider on the 277 that we have a "Private Communications" request on this person?  If the provider signs on to our (HIPAA transaction compliant) claims status web page, should we notify them of the request?  If the answer is yes, how do we do it in a compliant way... what data element do we use on the 277 transaction to let the provider know?  Could we open a small window with flashing red borders on the web page?  Conversely, if the provider has been asked for "Private Communications", are they obligated to tell us (the payer) on the 837 transaction (or any other way).  Are we obligated to react if the provider tells us instead of the person asking us directly?      I know that I'm crossing regulation "borders" here, but I'm primarily asking from a privacy point, but the transactions could become the communications mechanism.     Any observations, suggestions, or whatever are welcome.   Thanks,   Jim   ********************************************************************** To be removed from this list, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that it may take up to 72 hours to process your request. ===================================================== The WEDI SNIP listserv to which you are subscribed is not moderated. The discussions on this listserv therefore represent the views of the individual participants, and do not necessarily represent the views of the WEDI Board of Directors nor WEDI SNIP. If you wish to receive an official opinion, post your question to the WEDI SNIP Issues Database at http://snip.wedi.org/tracking/. Posting of advertisements or other commercial use of this listserv is specifically prohibited. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you are strictly prohibited from printing, storing, disseminating, distributing or copying this communication. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Thank You, Antares Management Solutions. ==============================================================================