Response from BBB complaint

[aj1901]

So I got a response from a BBB complaint I submitted to a collection agency since they refuse to remove a bill that's not mine from an emergency room. They are aski g me to fill out a hippa form. Do I fill it out? Whosever medical info they have its definitely not mine. Wouldn't releasing someone's info be a violation of hippa if the wrong person signs it? What should I do?

[guiness56]

I don't know what a HIPAA form is and can't imagine why they would need it.

File a fraud and police report.

[justrock]

They need a HIPPA auth to get the OC to release the bills.  Health care provider can not release any info without it.

[guiness56]

Yes, it would be a violation.  If the account is not yours a medical release form is not going to help.

[gregcurryesq]

HIPAA is a federal law that makes sure your medical information is kept private. A HIPAA authorization is a standard form, signed by you, authorizing the release of certain medical information to a designated party. Only the designated party can submit the signed HIPAA and get the specific information you want to turn over. 

By way of example, they are used in personal injury cases. Someone sues for an accident. The defendant demands HIPAA authorizations for all medical providers the plaintiff saw to treat the injuries that are the subject of the lawsuit. They send the HIPAA to the doctors/hospitals, and the doctors/hospitals send back the person's medical records. 

Here is one we use in New York, for your reference. http://www.nycourts.gov/forms/hipaa_fillable.pdf

[guiness56]

I'll clarify myself.  I know what HIPAA is and the laws.  I did not know what a HIPAA letter was.  Must be the same as a medical release form.

Again, though, if the account is not the OPs, it would be a violation to release someone elses information.

[aj1901]

So what do you recommend I respond with? Something along the lines of "this debt isn't mine so filling out this form is useless?"

[aj1901]

I obviously know the purpose of the form, but I just wasn't sure of how filling one out can help when it's not mine to begin with.

[guiness56]

I don't know how it is supposed to help either.

Did you file a police report and FTC Fraud Affidavit