Medical Information
Protecting your privacy
Your privacy has always been important tous. At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, we strive to provide the highest quality care and services in an environment that is built on trust and mutual respect.
In April 2003, a new federal privacy rule- called the Health Insurance Portability and accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) - went into effect. This rule provides protection for health information, whether it is written, oral, or electronic. All members of our workforce, clinical and non-clinical, are committed to protecting the confidentiality of your health information and follow state and federal laws concerning privacy.
During your hospital visit, you should receive the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Notice of Privacy Practices booklet if you have not already received it during a previous visit. If you were unable to read this information when you were admitted, one of our staff members will bring it to your room. This booklet tells you in detail how the medical center may use and disclose medical information about you and describes your rights as a patient to access your medical information. With the booklet, you will receive an acknowledgement form that you will be asked to sign. We are required to ask for your signature simply to confirm that you have received the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Notice of Privacy Practices.
The privacy rule formalizes the medical center’s longstanding commitment to protect the privacy of our patients. As always, if you have any questions related to your privacy, please ask your provider or call our HIPAA hotline at 617-667-1733.
