Accidently exposed my own PHI to Health Insurance company
I want to start with I don't have anxiety in general, but if something serious happens I REALLY focus on the small possibilities.
I am currently dealing with a pretty severe back injury that previously required me to take Oxycodone (among other necessary things). I was also slated to have surgery on May 2nd, which I had canceled two weeks ago after a miraculous recovery through Chiropractic work and Physical Therapy the past six weeks. I'm currently only on a 300mg dosage of Gabapentin three times a day and I'm absolutely sick of pills on top of that. Took maybe 5 ibuprofen in my life before this. The injury was due to wear and tear from way too much exercise.
Last week my Healthcare Provider Nurse working with me regarding my back had called, and during the call I asked if it was possible to get another round of Gabapentin if needed (would be my third round of it). It was more so a worst-case scenario question and I had stated how there's a very low chance I'd need it. The nurse who had called stated we can look at alternative options if I were to come in, not so much that I'm abusing Gabapentin but more so at this point if it doesn't work anymore then it doesn't work.
Today I received a call from a Case Manager from my health insurance company through my employer. It is also a self-funded plan. She had called regarding preparation of the surgery. I had informed her that the surgery is off, I feel great. In my ignorance, I had also mentioned my Provider Nurse said they wouldn't prescribe Gabapentin anymore when I requested it. The Case Manager had said she doesn't really need to know that due to "Confidentiality Purposes".
Down the point; I'm afraid I implied I had a drug abuse problem. As I know Gabapentin isn't a controlled substance in my state (NH), but it looks like im being denied for a substance known to generate abuse potentially by my Healthcare provider.
In the Case Manager's capacity and the fact it's a self-funded plan, can this information be freely shared under HIPAA? I couldn't really find situations of verbal self-exposure from research. I really don't want it to be shared, drug tests come in, Employers jump in, etc.
Again, this might seem ridiculous to the experts lol thanks in advance for answering and entertaining this.
submitted by /u/XSlayer94X
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