Let's reason this out:
1. If you consider yourself a medical professional, and
2. You keep a written record of eyewear you've sold/made according to a prescription, then
3. This written record should be referred to as a *medical* record, and
4. People should have access to the information in this medical record, so
5. We should give out the PD of record, on demand, per an authentic received of the same.
Discussion.
B
What does HIPPA say about giving out medical information??
Interesting....
If it's the pd that's recorded during the exam, then I can see where that information must be released. However, I never make glasses based off of that. I always take my own pd as I find that it's more accurate. It is frustrating when a patient comes in requesting their pd so they can order glasses online. In fact, today I had a patient do just that. His prescription was very high (-12.50) with quite a bit of cyl. I gave him his pd, but also informed him that there are additional measurements that should be taken by an optician (oc, bc, etc) to ensure he can see well out of his new glasses. Until I can charge for a pd, the best thing I can do is educate patients.
Originally Posted by Barry Santini
This is using the term "medical professional" very loosely and incorrectly.
Opticians are not medical professionals and are essentially a hybrid sales person/technician...( when referring to non- lab based people.)
The written record is not a *medical * record, but is a record of the good(s) ordered. Im not sure how you are making the leap from eyeglass specifications to medical record.
All people in the optical trade (O.D.'s , MD's , and opticians) refer to optical and CL specs as "medical records" when they want to justify filling the prescription in thier shop only.
Chip
This was discussed once before. In NYS, and I suspect in many states, an opticians record is considered a medical record as it relates to a patients right to have it...whether there is a doc in house of not. A patient is entitled to a copy of their record, just like they are entitled to a copy of their prescription.
4554lake:
Firstly, I must acknowledge that I have previously counter-argued the position I am about to outline.
If eyeglasses themselves are considered medical devices - and the FDA has classed them as such - then how can a record of their specifications or fabrication mot be considered a medical record?
B
Further, I submit that, in those states where at least a 2 year education is mostly mandatory and that licensure with continuing education exists, ophthalmic dispensers are a class of medical professional.
B
Barry, I asked my state board the same question: If the p.d. is part of the "optical record" and not the "medical record", why would I have to release it?
They said "No go Joe. They're all 'optometric records', and you have to release if requested".
Fortunately, for medical records I can charge $25 for the first page, and $1 per additional. HAHAHAHAHAHA! (I just love twisted justice!)
In order for opticians to be truly considered an allied heath care professional,....mandatory licensing, continuing education requirements ,and a college or regulatory body ,with teeth, would have to be in place in order to protect the public's interest.
Im not aware of the latter happening anywhere in Canada.I cant speak for the US.
What exactly ,is it ,that opticians do in dispensing eye glasses, that makes the leap from technician to medical professional ?
( Im not implying that there is anything wrong with being a technician)
Last edited by 4554lake; 08-13-2012 at 10:46 PM. Reason: clarification
Can't say I disagree with you, 4554lake.
Since my state, NY, does have the arguably best optician school in the country, does have licensure with CE, I'd say we qualify as an allied medical professional.
We advise, design, fit and modify both frame, lens and Rx in order to deliver the best product and highest client visual and etc satisfaction.
B
B - do you set yourself am Outlook reminder to bring this up on OB periodically
Who has access to your medical records?.....................................
.........and here is the answer to the Hippa question:
Many people consider information about their health to be highly sensitive, deserving of the strongest protection under the law. Long-standing laws in many states and the age-old tradition of doctor-patient privilege have been the mainstay of privacy protection for decades.
The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets a national standard for privacy of health information. It was implemented in 2003. But HIPAA only applies to medical records maintained by health care providers, health plans, and health clearinghouses - and only if the facility conducts certain transactions electronically. A great deal of health-related information exists outside of health care facilities and the files of health plans, and thus beyond the reach of HIPAA. (PRC Fact Sheet 8a: HIPAA Basics)
The extent of privacy protection given to your medical information often depends on where the records are located and the purpose for which the information was compiled. The laws that cover privacy of medical information vary by situation. And, confidentiality is likely to be lost in return for insurance coverage, an employment opportunity, your application for a government benefit, or an investigation of health and safety at your work site.
In short, you may have a false sense of security. That’s because medical information that is collected outside a HIPAA environment may not afford you HIPAA’s basic privacy rights to (1) access your medical records (2) request an amendment to your records and (3) request an accounting of disclosures.This guide provides information on medical records not covered by the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
Who has access to your medical records?Your medical information is shared by a wide range of people both in and out of the health care industry. Generally, access to your records is obtained when you agree to let others see them. In reality, you may have no choice but to agree to the sharing of your health information if you want to obtain care and qualify for insurance.
See more ------------------------> https://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs8-med.htm#C
I would want very good legal counsel before following some of the suggestions here. I think we are standing on some rather shaky legal ground and should have good legal advice. This may be needed on a state by state basis, depending on state laws, and also on the federal because of HIPPA.
Jus' think, all this over a PD!
Chip
Another reason to get into the digital measurements of pd's while the patient is wearing the pre-fitted eye wear. This truly is where we make the case that every fitted frame has the likelihood/potential to change the mono pd, and when we are dispensing digital lenses with improved designs and better features, why would you want to start with inferior measurements?
It has more to do with the consumer's right to have their information...not so much how the provider is educated or licensed. Consumer rights drives the healthcare market...and it probably should be that way. I'm sure many state boards, both optometric and optician, have made rulings which would never stand up in a court if push came to shove, so it's hard to determine which rules to follow.
But probably the best rule is to think like a consumer and act accordingly. A consumer may wander on the internet to order something (eyewear) for fun and call you for a PD, if you don't give it, or try to hide it, of charge $25 for records release, do you think you will ever see that patient again for other eyecare services?
This is a side issue, but it's funny to listen to opticians complain about releasing PDs when they pushed so hard for Eyeglasses 1. Remember???
My policy; If you've paid for that *service* (i.e. I've made glasses for you in the past) I will happily give you your PD I have on record promptly and with a smile. If you think you will retain a client by refusing/charging a fee for info on record or hold the holy PD hostage you are sadly mistaken. We've all had clients walk for numerous reasons, you can't please everyone. Let them *experience* eye wear delivery elsewhere. I've had so many clients over the years try the competition, only to return permanent, loyal customers.
Now then, if someone walked in and requested I take their PD, I would kindly refuse. I won't be a part of a faulty delivery system for a devise that needs consultation along with product specific measurements. All ECP's need to decide how they handle these types of request.
And for the record, I've yet to be asked for a PD. (2 locations)
+1. This particular topic has been hashed, rehashed, overhashed, hashed and burned so many times now, that there just aren't any potatoes left to make hash. When will it end?
And for the record, I'm in the "give the patient his/her damn PD and be done with it" crowd. If it's in their records, medical or optical, it's theirs and they get to have it.
And note that I said PATIENT. Someone walking in off the street requesting a PD is not your patient.
Now, having said that, I'm also of the opinion, that while a PD is directly related to the physical presentation of the patient, the OC height, base curve, etc. ad finitum is not. Those all all aspects of the particular frame and lens type and have nothing to do with the patient's eye configuration. And that information does not have to be passed to the patient because it will vary from frame to frame (as we all know).
Please tell me this is just a joke.
Its not a joke. Not in TX. For good reason, you have to pay someone to gather that info, not to mention ink, paper, and wear and tear and interruption in business day. There should be an extra charge for improper notification as well. Most don't charge for this service, kind a like PD's.
Have they been punched in the nose, had a nose job, or gained or lost weight in the time sense their last PD Measurement? And many more factors can alter and change the PD's. So who's to say that if you give them a 2 year old PD that it's still going to be the same and do them any good? Then they are going to come after you for not giving them the proper measurements that they needed.
Dammed if you do, and Dammed if you don't is what I say to this.
If you want your PD's, I'll be glad to measure your new PD's at the charge of $25
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.
~ Mark Twain ~
Thank-you OB! I used to waste my time getting angry about it. But somehow I have learned to "let go" of the PD issue. I figure if I set them free and they never come back, they were not mine to begin with. If they come back, it's because they learned a valuble lesson about on-line ordering. Casarasara
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