Jules had a good suggestion. He needs to know that his behavior was totally unprofessional.

You know, if he acts like that in plain view of other patients just think how he behaves when patients can't see or hear him.

If the office has an office manager that is the one to make an official complaint to , or maybe even the state medical board??

Not sure who is responsible for the following of Hippa /privacy rules...
You might do a search on that angle of it.

I was the assistant to a CEO of a hospital for 20 years. Violation of HIPAA rules is very serious, ESPECIALLY FOR A DOCTOR. This doc is fully aware of this and is doing this because he thinks he can. In order to maintain Joint Commission accreditation, EVERYONE in the hospital had to take HIPAA training, pass it, and a signed document stating that you took it and passed it went into your file in HR.

You would be doing all patients and staff in that facility a big time favor by reporting this (plus observations of his attitude) to the CEO of the hospital with a cc to the doc himself. You could also state the Medical Board and certification board would also like to have this information, if need be.

This is the only way to stop something like this.

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