shadowing..?

[thegymbum]

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I've run into a bit of a road-block lately when it comes to clinical experience: HIPPA.

From what I've found, the recent enforcement of HIPAA makes it nearly impossible to find shadowing opportunities. I had previously spoken with my own physician about shadowing, and at that point he agreed.. however, when I talked to him again about it the other day, he basically said it was too much of a risk/violoation, and didn't think it would be a good idea.

If I can't even shadow my own physician who I've known and been close to for years, I'm really worried about where on earth I'm going to find someone who will agree to it.

Has anyone else run into a similar problem recently..? I know that getting that sort of experience is really important, etc., but I feel like I have no idea how to go about finding somewhere I can go. Any input..?

Thanks,
Nancy

 

[crzyemeni]

I've run into a bit of a road-block lately when it comes to clinical experience: HIPPA.

From what I've found, the recent enforcement of HIPPA makes it nearly impossible to find shadowing opportunities. I had previously spoken with my own physician about shadowing, and at that point he agreed.. however, when I talked to him again about it the other day, he basically said it was too much of a risk/violoation of HIPPA, and didn't think it would be a good idea.

If I can't even shadow my own physician who I've known and been close to for years, I'm really worried about where on earth I'm going to find someone who will agree to it.

Has anyone else run into a similar problem recently..? I know that getting that sort of experience is really important, etc., but I feel like I have no idea how to go about finding somewhere I can go. Any input..?

Thanks,
Nancy

I think its HIPAA (not HIPPA), but either way it shouldn't stop you from getting a position shadowing a doctor.

I was a medical assistant a few years back and at the time knew little about HIPAA and my physician never enforced anything regarding patient privacy.

I got certified by HIPAA on-line because now I am a research coordinator, its hella easy- but you seriously don't need it to shadow a doctor. Its only an issue in settings where you are handling patient information (files, charts, records...). I think your doc is being a punk!

 

[Flopotomist]

First, HIPAA is one P, two A's (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Shadowing is now quickly becoming a thing of the past, but that means that it is the same for all the people you are competing with. I would suggest finding opportunities to volunteer that would allow you access to a clinical setting that isn't shadowing.

 

[Flopotomist]

I got certified by HIPAA on-line ... I think your doc is being a punk!

I think your online certification must have missed the sections on compliance and penalties for noncompliance if you think the physician is "being a punk." The physician is obeying the law.

 

[crzyemeni]

First, HIPAA is one P, two A's (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Shadowing is now quickly becoming a thing of the past, but that means that it is the same for all the people you are competing with. I would suggest finding opportunities to volunteer that would allow you access to a clinical setting that isn't shadowing.

I'd agree, try clinical research. Any PI in a hospital would die for a volunteer to help conduct research.

Plus, it'll be a clinical experiences you can discuss on the interview (instead of just saying you watched Dr. XY do XZ.

Good Luck!

 

[LizzyM]

Even a single violation of HIPAA regulations can bring a huge federal fine. Some doctors will err on the side of caution rather than risk a problem.

The best way around this is to become an employee or an official volunteer. Revealing "protected health information" to others in the "covered entity" is permitted, more or less on a "need to know" basis. If you are just a guy off the street, you are outside of the "covered entity" and you are not supposed to be privy to any information about patients.

 

[crzyemeni]

I think your online certification must have missed the sections on compliance and penalties for noncompliance if you think the physician is "being a punk." The physician is obeying the law.

😴 boring!

I'm pretty sure my certification is on the ball- don't question it. But physicians have people shadow them all the time, its really no big deal.

The HIPAA excuse is a nice way of saying he is too busy to have some kid follow him around in the office and slow down his visits with patients.

 

[DownonthePharm]

Volunteer at a free clinic. Seriously, you will be up to your eyeballs in knowledge from the moment you walk in the door. A girl at the clinic I volunteer in is in her first year of medical school and she says most of the conditions they talk about she already knew because she saw them first as a volunteer.

Here's the kicker, most of them really need reliable consistant help so they would be delighted for you to help, and they are early evening, which is perfect for an undergrads schedule.

 

[erin682]

😴 boring!

I'm pretty sure my certification is on the ball- don't question it. But physicians have people shadow them all the time, its really no big deal.

The HIPAA excuse is a nice way of saying he is too busy to have some kid follow him around in the office and slow down his visits with patients.

Your certification may be valid but you are incorrect about shadowing being so easy. A few years ago when you did your shadowing the restrictions were not so tight and it was MUCH easier to get a position shadowing than it is now.