The 4th Amendment

[delldude]

As for the ACA, do government officials actually have access to individuals' private health information - without the individual giving permission - , or is the info de-identified.?

Every time I go to the Dr I sign a HIPPA form, authorizing release to the Insurance Company, other doctors, etc. Even my spouse can not access that info without my permission.

Are you saying the local sheriff, or some clerk at the CDC, or other government officials can access my personal information?

NSA equal Patriot Act.
A (very...) few of us did speak out against that

Where were the armed militias of concerned patriots?
In their basements writing letters supporting W's efforts to make them feel safe?

Keeping their powder dry?

 
Actually, if you look into it, local sheriffs are one of the classifications listed as not having to follow HIPPA. 
 
 

 
 
Asked if the provision for the “utilization of an electronic health record for each person in the United States by 2014” was in the final bill agreed to by the House-Senate conference committee, Grant said, “It is.”  She later said “correct” when asked a second time if this language was in the final bill.

 
Looks like its here. Listen to this, from the people who lied to us to get it passed:
 

 
 
The bill listed a number of things the “nationwide health information technology infrastructure” should do, including ensure “that each patient’s health information is secure and protected,” reduce “health care costs resulting from inefficiency, medical errors, inappropriate care, duplicative care, and incomplete information,” provide “appropriate information to help guide medical decisions at the time and place of care,” and improve “coordination of care and information among hospitals, laboratories, physician offices, and other entities through an effective infrastructure for the secure and authorized exchange of health care information.”

 
You get any letters recently asking you to authorize release of any HC info? 
 

 
 
And in response to the question, “Will the government have access to my electronic medical record?” answers, “No. Federal law makes your medical records--whether they’re on paper or in a computer--confidential to you and your health provider.”
 

 
But then they also say this:
 

 
 
According to the language of the House bill, it also is supposed to help “health and clinical research” efforts and “efforts to reduce health disparities.”

 
How can they accomplish this without sharing personal data ?
 
If the government isn't sharing my personal medical information (and they can be trusted) any plausible explanation as to why I get ads for medical services from providers and clinics relating to medical conditions only my Doctor and I know of?  I seriously doubt my HC provider is willing to risk privacy reg's violations with the US gov't.
 
Or is it with this little gem:
 

 
HIPAA Release of information AUTHORIZATION FORM
 
I, ____________________________________hereby authorize _______________________ and its affiliates, its employees and agents (collectively ________________________), to release to _______________________________ [Insert full name of person/organization] my personal health information maintained by ___________________ (e.g., information relating to the diagnosis, treatment, claims payment, and health care services provided or to be provided to me and which identifies my name, address, social security number, Member ID number) except the following information about me: __________________________________ [DESCRIBE INFORMATION NOT TO BE DISCLOSED, IF ANY] for the purpose of helping me to resolve claims and health benefit coverage issues. I understand that any personal health information or other information released to the person or organization identified above may be subject to re-disclosure by such person/organization and may no longer be protected by applicable federal and state privacy laws

 
Looks like a gotchya.....who signs this like an attorney?

 

[Ifly2]

Electronic records, even with their flaws and limitations, have benefits. For example, I am out of state and need treatment, and I authorize access to them...

You gonna' cite the ref for the local sheriff being able to access your personal health records, or do I have to look that up too?

Information can ne de-identified for statistical and research use.
I asked of it was, that was a question.
I presume that it is, unless the individual authorizes it's release.

HIPPA, with its flaws and ecerythi g else, predates ACA, by a lot, and you inow that.

No, you can't "trust 'em", but we do. In nearly every area of our lives.

You will het ads targeted to any website you happen to look at. Have shoulder pain, look it up, ads for everythi g and anythi g related.

Why do I get ads for the NRA?

 

[townpete]

Electronic records, even with their flaws and limitations, have benefits. For example, I am out of state and need treatment, and I authorize access to them...

You gonna' cite the ref for the local sheriff being able to access your personal health records, or do I have to look that up too?

Information can ne de-identified for statistical and research use.
I asked of it was, that was a question.
I presume that it is, unless the individual authorizes it's release.

HIPPA, with its flaws and ecerythi g else, predates ACA, by a lot, and you inow that.

No, you can't "trust 'em", but we do. In nearly every area of our lives.

You will het ads targeted to any website you happen to look at. Have shoulder pain, look it up, ads for everythi g and anythi g related.

Why do I get ads for the NRA?

 
Is that a rhetorical statement or you have idea why?