Medical Records and Privacy
Keeping your medical records accurate and confidential is important.
Your medical records may be
- Paper records stored at a military treatment facility (MTF), a TRICARE-authorized or US Family Health Plan provider's office
- Electronic records stored in the Military Health System's (MHS's) database
TRICARE policy and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements determine how your medical information can be used.
Privacy Officers
Each MTF has a privacy officer who ensures health care information remains private, but available to you and your provider. The privacy officer can answer any questions you may have about HIPAA rules. The TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) also has a privacy office you can contact for information or assistance. In addition, your regional contractor has valuable information about privacy on its Web site.
What if my privacy is violated?
If you think your privacy rights have been violated, you may submit a written complaint to your MTF or TMA privacy officer. You may call the general information number at your local MTF, visit their Web site or call the HIPAA information line at 1-888-DoD-HIPA. This number is not toll-free overseas.
MHS Notice of Privacy Practices
When you receive treatment at an MTF, you will be given a copy of the MHS Notice of Privacy Practices. This document details how your medical information may be used and with whom it may be shared. If you see providers outside of the MTF, they may have their own privacy practices guidelines that they will share with you at the time of your appointment. It's important that you carefully read any information about privacy practices.
This section gives you information about how to access your medical records and how HIPAA regulations relate to you.
Seeing a civilian provider?
Because Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) requirements apply to all health care professionals, you'll also receive a Notice of Privacy Practices from your civilian provider. These notices are very similar to the Military Health System Notice of Privacy Practices, and you should read them carefully.
Last Modified:April 12, 2011
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HIPAA Information Line
1-888-DoD-HIPA
