C M.
1/5
Yesterday I took my elderly mom in for a cancer appointment. I was not allowed to go with her. She cannot hear well anymore and gets confused. Often times she can't retell a conversation she just forgets. I was told to wait outside until they could get permission from the Dr. I was given a business card of the Dr. but it was for the Post Fall Clinic. Three times I tried that number and Lisa was very understanding and tried to help but the call either was dropped or did not transfer or I kept getting the voice mail. Finally, I was given the phone number for Sandpoint office.
I saw the people taking their elderly parents in but I could not. I was told because the Cancer center has their rules. I was told I could have a speaker phone conversation with mine and my moms phones with the Dr.
Finally, my phone rang and the conversation began. At the end the Dr asked if we had questions I said I do. "Why are my mother's HIPPAA rights being violated?" I had been standing outside the door waiting while other people came and went allowing them to hear our conversation. I was not offered a private room to have this conversation with my mother and her Dr. He said we ask people to wait in their cars. REALLY? in 100 degree weather or freezing weather? Some people do not have air conditioning in their cars. This is absolutely WRONG!!!!! Covid or no covid HIPPAA Rights are being ignored and people are not realizing this.
Accommodations for a private room should be made. Because elderly cannot hear or understand well; they are easily persuaded to rollover and allow things to medically be allowed that in their right mind the would not. A family member (especially a parent/child relationship) should be allowed to join them in a Dr's appointment. This should change and change fast is a must!
