Is he associated with a hospital? I would call a patient advocate at that hospital and explain what happened, and that you dont want YOUR information spread all over whomever happens to be in the waiting room at the time. While he may be busy, and have much to do, its ILLEGAL for him to share ANY bits of information about you without your WRITTEN consent. Express that you are also shocked about his attitude towards patients. We all have bad days, but MDs need to go to their office, close their door, and bang their head on their desk, not blurt out such awfulness in public.

I am just as angry at his partner for not at least acknowledging your concern, and promising to address it. If that doesnt work call the admin of the hospital and ask whom to talk to. You can do both phone calls anonymously.

Shame, just a crying shame. :(

i agree this breach needs to be reported. i'm not sure about the channels but starting with the hospital ceo as suggested is a good start. that should lite a fire under them.

i hope you have success.

I think the first step is to write him a letter telling him what I heard and that I will report him if I ever hear him talking like that again.

I know some people in higher places in state and federal gov't...I could report him to my friend and see what can be done.

He is known for his expertiese, but still...he is an arrogant donkey's rear. Makes me worried about what is said about me...and he isn't even my doc...

[A nurse and physician discussing patient information in a crowded elevator is a verbal violation of patient privacy. Faxing personal health information to the wrong number is another example of a privacy breach. Criminal penalties for wrongful disclosure can be as high as $250,000 and up to 10 years in prison. Healthcare workers are educated regularly on HIPAA guidelines. ]
http://shawnawilson.hubpages.com/hub...atient-Privacy

how to report HIPAA violation-
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa...nts/index.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4464319_repo...violation.html

http://www.ihs.gov/AdminMngrResource...cfm?module=faq