A practical look at how health information privacy works, what protections consumers have, and the questions worth asking a provider or plan.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, commonly known as HIPAA, sets national standards for protecting sensitive patient health information. It applies to healthcare providers, health plans, and their business associates, and governs how medical information can be used, shared, and stored.
Patients generally have the right to review and receive copies of their own medical records, request corrections to inaccurate information, and understand how their information has been used or shared with others.
Several core concepts underpin how healthcare organizations are expected to handle patient data responsibly.
Only the information needed for a specific purpose should be accessed or shared.
Certain disclosures require the patient's written authorization.
Administrative, physical, and technical measures protect stored records.
Affected individuals must generally be notified after a qualifying data breach.
The Affordable Care Act introduced a set of consumer protections that apply broadly across most health plans, changing how coverage is offered and priced for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Understanding how your information moves between providers, plans, and pharmacies helps you engage more confidently with the healthcare system and recognize when something seems out of the ordinary.