Running a medical office such as a physician practice, chiropractic operation or dental office has always had its challenges, but at times it seems that the challenges have increased exponentially.
Some of those new challenges are administrative in nature, the result of new regulations and government guidelines. Many of those new government regulations – while certainly well intentioned – have resulted in a flood of new paperwork and countless hours of additional work for staff members. Other challenges are technological in nature, and adapting to those new technologies can require creative approach.In many cases new technologies can be mere annoyances, but medical professionals also need to be aware of the potential legal implications of certain commonly used items. Cell phones in particular have long been a bone of contention in the medical arena, and many physician’s offices and hospitals have instituted firm limits on their use. Some medical offices have gone to great lengths to discourage the use of cell phones, from posting stern warning signs to installing technology that jams cell phone signals.
At first blush this anti-cell phone stance may seem like overkill, but there is actually very sound reasoning behind these restrictions. Cell phone use in the medical office environment can be disruptive to the patients in the waiting room, and it is up to doctors, dentists and other medical professionals to provide a quiet and secure environment for all their patients.
But there is an even more important reason for medical offices to think about banning cell phones. These powerful devices can cause serious privacy concerns, including violations of the government’s strict HIPAA regulations. HIPAA regulations are quite clear on the importance of keeping medical records secure, and medical conversations private. Release of that information to unauthorized parties, even if the release is inadvertent and accidental, can result in thousands of dollars in fines for the offending practice. For this reason alone many medical practices have been limiting – or completely banning – the use of cellular phones in their waiting areas, patient exam rooms, nursing stations and other sensitive areas.
The inclusion of cameras, speakers and microphones on many cellular phones has made the possibility of inadvertent security breaches even greater, and it is important for medical office staff to monitor the use of these devices even in areas where they are allowed. Allowing cell phone use is a personal choice each practice must make, but even when such devices are permitted the use of cameras and other recording technologies should be strictly prohibited.
Many doctors, dentists and other medial professionals may not realize just how much of a threat commonly used technologies can present, but it is important for all practices to be informed of the danger. Many medical professionals fear that banning cell phones or jamming signals could alienate their patients and cost them business, but in this case the cost of doing business as usual could be even greater.
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