Is it legal for a doctors office to call my emergency contact for billing purposes?
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Is it legal for a doctors office to call my emergency contact for billing purposes?
Asked on December 13, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, New Jersey
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
It depends on what the doctor's office is asking of your emergency contact that it could not get from you or if you were unavailable or under anesthesia. Generally speaking, HIPAA prevents the doctor or staff from discussing medical matters with people with whom you have not given permission or clearance to discuss.
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