Is it a privacy violation if pharmacy staff say my meds out loud?

[Anonymous]

I went to pick up my medicine yesterday and the person working the front desk said my medicine loud and clearly that others heard too. I was embarrassed. People were actually looking me because they heard it. I had went over it all with the pharmacist the day before. I felt he could have just said that first to initials.

[jazzy34]

It can be. Here's what Google has to say:

"Yes, it can be a privacy violation under HIPAA if pharmacy staff loudly announce your specific medication details or full name in front of other customers. While brief, low-volume communication necessary for dispensing care is permitted, broadcasting private health information (PHI) to a crowded waiting area is an impermissible disclosure."

[Asker]

I totally agree.

[EmmaMary]

I would consider that to be completely unprofessional.

[Asker]

I kind of thought so too. I know he was trying to be helpful but he could have done it differently. And besides they usually say “your other refills we will notify you when it’s ready.”

[EmmaMary]

Perhaps a quiet word regarding this wouldn't go amiss.

[Asker]

I thought about it but I don’t want him to get in trouble.

[EmmaMary]

Thank you for the MHO.

[Massageman]

It could be a HIPAA violation.

Note- Contrary to what many people think, the "P" in HIPAA does NOT stand for "privacy". It stands for "portability", almost the opposite of "privacy".

[Alex-Snow]

That is just wrong. I would say something so it does not happen again

[Asker]

It only happened once. But I will next time I go in.

[DryGermanGuy]

https://youtu.be/FTzVW82FaRs?si=-M4wxgAvawKe751W

[beenherebefore]

I hate when medical staff do this. Like why do others have to know my business? I think is just lack of awareness.

[RareBreedOfMan]

Yes, it's unprofessional of the pharmacist himself.

[OneViewpoint]

Yes, they aren't supposed to loudly proclaim your medications out loud.

[Agape93]

Nope

[Anonymous]

Absolutely