FAQs | Hospitalist Corporation of Inland Empire

May I request copies of my medical records? How would I do this?

By state law the hospital is mandated to release all medical records upon request of the patient or Durable Power of Attorney. These can be obtained from the medical records department once all of the appropriate forms have been filled out and signed.

How do I know if HCOIE accepts my current insurance plan?

When the patient is admitted, a representative from the admitting department will meet with the patient and let them know, based on their insurance, which team of hospitalists will be taking care of them. HCOIE accepts all insurances, but some insurance companies may hold contracts with other teams of physicians to take care of their patients. However, this probably represents less than 10% of all patients being admitted for acute medical issues or elective surgical procedures that require hospitalist co-management.

What information/documents should I bring on my visit to a HCOIE hospitalist?

To expedite services, patients should know or bring as much of the following information as they can:

Medication list
Contact information of the designated primary-care physician
Indicate who their durable power of attorney (DPOA) is
A detailed list of any previous diagnosis by any provider
If they have one, a POLST form or Advance Directive

How can I choose a HCOIE hospitalist for my personal care? Can I make an appointment with a hospitalist?

Per California Medical Society hospitalists are not allowed to have any form of private practice within 30 miles of any hospital that they practice at. This would make it very difficult for any patient to choose a hospitalist as a primary-care physician. Because of this law, most hospitalists do not practice primary-care. The patient can follow up at the hospital discharge clinic upon discharge for a one-time visit. Depending on the appointment day and work week of the hospitalist, they may or may not be able to consult that specific hospitalist. If the patient is asking for a specific hospitalist during the inpatient stay, and the hospitalist is working that week, arrangements can be made between the team so that individual patients’ needs are met.

What information can be found in my health record

health record is created any time you see a health professional such as a doctor, nurse, dentist, chiropractor, or psychiatrist. You could find the following in your health record:

Your medical history and your family’s medical history
Labs and x-rays
Medications prescribed
Alcohol use and sexual activity
Details about your lifestyle (smoking, exercise, recreational drug use, high-risk sports, stress levels)
Doctor/nurse notes
Results of operations and proceduresGenetic testing
Research participation
Any Information you provide on applications for disability, life or accidental insurance with private insurers or government programs
Driver’s License
Social Security Number
Financial information such as credit cards and payment info

Who has access to my health records

Many more people than you would ever want, including people outside the health care industry.

Insurance companies
Government agencies especially if you receive Medicare, Medicaid, SCHIP, SSI, Workers Comp or any local, state or federal assistance
Employers
Banks, Financial Institutions
Researchers
If you are involved in a court case, your health records can be subpoenaed and available to the public
Marketers
Drug companies
Data miners
Transcribers in and outside the U.S.
Many health websites collect information about you

Can my personal health information be used and disclosed without any notice to me or without my informed consent at the time of treatment

Yes.

The Amended HIPAA Privacy Rule states only that you must receive a Privacy Notice telling you how your personal health information will be used and disclosed. Section 164.520(c) (2) (i) (A).
Privacy Notices are often mistaken for consent forms, but they are simply notices telling you what will happen to your medical records.