Patient Information

Release of patient information policy
Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of patients and information related to their cases is an important responsibility of hospitals and healthcare facilities. According to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), specifics about what may and may not be released without written patient consent are outlined. Please be aware that healthcare facilities also must comply with state laws regarding patient privacy and confidentiality.

What can be released
Only certain information can be released to media by a member of Marketing and Customer Relations staff without a patient’s permission. Any public or non-confidential information falls into this category. Cases of public record are those cases reportable by law to public authorities (police, coroner, public health officer). Any additional information, including requests for interviews, only can be released with written consent from the patient (or a legal guardian if the patient is a minor), as well as approval from the patient’s physician.

Questions about patients who are prisoners will be referred to the custodial agency.

All media calls for patient information must be dealt with through the hospital’s Marketing and Customer Relations office during business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. During non-business hours, please call the operator at 634-2251 and request to speak to the clinical resource coordinator. Additionally, any media on campus at VVMC and its properties always must be accompanied by a member of Marketing and Customer Relations staff. When you arrive at VVMC, please go to the Information Desk in the Outpatient lobby on Candy Lane and ask to have a Marketing and Customer Relations staff member called. Whenever possible, please provide us with advance notice of your arrival to help us reach you in a timely manner. All media inquiries regarding patient condition must contain the patient’s full name. Law enforcement agencies, not the hospital, release names.