Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: When calling out patients’ names in the waiting room, is it acceptable to call out the full name? For example, can you ask for “John Smith,” or should you only ask for “John?”

Wyoming Subscriber

Answer: Your practice’s office and any covered entity’s (CE’s) office should consider what is the minimum necessary amount of information you need to call out. Calling out patient names in your facility or a CE’s office is covered under the incidental uses and disclosures rule, but for the incidental disclosures to be acceptable, you must apply the safeguarding requirements and the minimum necessary requirements.

In the example you presented, “John” may be too general and several patients may come forward. However, calling for “John S.” would follow the minimum necessary rule that is reasonable for your office’s waiting room.

At the same time, some office waiting rooms might be very busy, and patients may not hear or respond to “John S.” In those situations, it might be reasonable to use the patient’s full name to get their attention.

Use your judgment in determining the minimum required and consult an attorney if necessary.