National Consumers League

Health

Health privacy glossary of terms

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Be your own best advocate and learn to speak the language of protecting your health privacy rights.

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My health privacy

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The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), along with its implementing regulations and subsequent rules that build on HIPPA, create a national standard for medical privacy. These privacy laws give patients greater control over their personal health information. Healthcare providers -- including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, psychotherapists -- as well as hospitals and most health plans, must adopt and follow policies to safeguard the privacy of your health information.

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