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EXTRA!
To the editor:
I am writing in response to the July FP Report article on pluses for the privacy regulations for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act -- that removing nosy neighbors, nosy in-laws, nosy reporters, extended family, etc. (from knowing about a patient's condition) is somewhat beneficial. I have to disagree heartily.
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What happened to the family in family practice? There is your local family, plus your extended family. When I popped in the June AAFP Home Study disk on coronary artery disease, (I found) it has been shown that people in small communities that have community help from neighbors and family and have local support do much better pre- and post-coronary event than people that are more isolated.
It seems we are taking a step backward in our care of the individual. Family can be a very important supportive aid to people in times of trial and tribulation.
HIPAA seems to be isolating people more and more, taking the family out of medicine, taking the care away also.
Larry Lovall, M.D.
Brownsburg, Ind.
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