Get Services
-
Get It Done Online!
-
Find Government Jobs
-
Change of Address
Blog
-
News from our Blog
-
-
Find Government Agencies
-
All Government
-
Federal Government
-
State, Local, and Tribal
Personal information you give to your doctor is shared with insurance companies, pharmacies, researchers, and employers based on specific regulations. The privacy of your health records is protected by federal law (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, also known as HIPAA), which:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) (1-800-368-1019) is an excellent resource for complete details and advice about the HIPPA ruling. Along with fact sheets and educational materials, the OCR also provides a listing of resources for consumers, providers and advocates. If you believe that a person, agency or organization covered under the HIPAA Privacy Rule violated your health information privacy rights or committed another violation of the Privacy Rule, you can file written complaints with OCR.
The Medical Information Bureau (MIB) is a data bank used by insurance companies that collects and shares information. You can request a copy of your file to be sure the information is accurate by writing to:
MIB, Inc.
50 Braintree Hill Park, Suite 300
Braintree, MA 02184-8734
or call toll-free 1-866-692-6901 (TTY: 1-866-346-3642). There is a fee to obtain a copy of your file.
If you believe that a person, agency, or organization covered under the HIPAA Privacy Rule violated your health information privacy rights or committed another violation of the Privacy Rule, you may be able to file written complaints with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.
Know your rights and exercise them. Here are some steps you should take to ensure the accuracy and privacy of your medical information:
Medical identity theft, a twist on traditional identity theft, happens when someone steals your personal information. Like traditional identity theft, medical ID theft can affect your finances, but it also can take a toll on your health. Some ways you might detect medical ID theft include:
If you believe that a person, agency, or organization covered under the HIPAA Privacy Rule violated your health information privacy rights or committed another violation of the Privacy Rule, you may be able to file a written complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.
Page Last Reviewed or Updated: October 12, 2012