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Keeping Medical Records Confidential  Is...   ESSENTIAL

Our patients' paper medical records contain protected health information (PHI). The records include information such as patient name, address, birth date, SSN, physician and nurse notes, diagnosis, lab results, medications, and even highly confidential information regarding HIV/AIDS, Mental Health, and Genetic Testing.

Our patients expect and trust us to protect their information at all times - that includes when it is stored, used on the inpatient units, in the outpatient clinics, and when it is in your possession.

Let's make sure our patients' medical records are not EXPOSED to "unauthorized individuals" - people who do not need to know the information.

Follow these easy tips to minimize the chances of  exposing PHI:

 1.     When carrying medical records throughout the
        Medical  Center, including standing in elevators,
        make sure PHI is facing toward your body and away
        from public view.

2.    While transporting medical records in a rolling cart
       either turn the records over to conceal PHI
       (e.g. patient name, medical record #), place the
       records in secure containers, or cover the records
       with a sheet. Never leave the cart unattended 
       (e.g. hallway, cafeteria).

3.    On inpatient units, follow the "Back to Rack" Program.
       Store the patient's medical record at the nurses'
       station when you are not using it. Do not keep records
       at the bedside or outside the patient's room.

4.    In outpatient clinics, medical records should be
       turned over to hide PHI from the view of other
       patients.

Do The Right Thing...
Keep Medical Records Confidential.

HIPAA Program Office
The University of Chicago Medical Center | 5841 South Maryland Avenue | Chicago, IL 60637
HPOwebmaster@bsd.uchicago.edu