After not having been to our clinic in town in about a year, I got a bit of a surprise today when I walked into the main entrance where patients check in. At three separate stalls, each having a receptionist and computer, there was something I had never seen before, a camera attached to the top of their computer screens, aiming directly at you and the waiting area.

When I was checking in and filling out a little paper work, I heard the shutter in the camera click in front of me. I went and sat down and told my husband that I had just gotten my photo taken without my permission! When I returned the paperwork they asked for my ID. I've been going to this same clinic for many years, but today they wanted it again for some reason.

As I waited to be called back, another patient which was standing at the desk was told she had to have her photo taken to validate who she is.

What in the world is going on? I have never seen this taking place before in my life. I felt like I was at the DMV, not the doctor's office.

I wanted to bust out my camera and take a picture of these cams, but there is a sign at the front door that says "No Cameras".

So they can take a photo of me, but I can't take a picture of them.

The "No cameras" posted sign may be for the protection of the clients against outside persons coming in and photoing the patients. This does effectively limit you from taking pictures in the clinic as well, but maybe it is not as nefarious as it seems.

But the photo taking by a receptionist is an oddity have no explanation for.

And if they don't have those digital photos on a server with very specific security, including a closed network, THEY are violating HIPAA.

Next time you go, ask them to furnish you with their network's "Security Whitepaper". This document outlines the steps taken to secure these photos. If they refuse to furnish this, or are confused by your question, well, there's your answer: they don't know and don't care. Tell that receptionist to say "cheese".

Just so you know... This is to prevent insurance fraud. They can not take your picture without your permission. Nor can they copy your ID without your permission. What suffices for them is a quick glance at your ID every time. Which they will have to do without a pic of you in their records. I ask, which is more important, my privacy or their convenience?

Originally posted by elouina
Just so you know... This is to prevent insurance fraud. They can not take your picture without your permission.

Since when? They dont need any permission to take pictures.

Originally posted by PsykoOps

Originally posted by elouina
Just so you know... This is to prevent insurance fraud. They can not take your picture without your permission.

Since when? They dont need any permission to take pictures.

Random photography is asking for a legal suit and should be forbidden in medical facilities. This is a violation of patient privacy without explicit informed consent. I myself have had many medical facilities request my picture, and I turned them down every time. Without a single bit of trouble over it. Why? Because they are asking for more than is legally required. Which is just flashing them your photo ID.

BTW, I work in the medical profession and see copies of drivers licenses multiple times every day. They take a copy and include copies for every darn dept imaginable. Why? Because some stupid moron just throws a stack of papers on the copier. And does not pull of the license. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry has access to them. And this is not appropriate. And I am certain the patients do not know this is happening. Once again, you can refuse allowing them to copy your ID. Just let them peek at your name and pic, that is plenty.

Should be... but it isn't then? There's nothing that forbids them from taking pictures. Or if you keep claiming there is then source it cause I do not care what your personal feelings on the issue are.