Confidentiality during plastic surgery procedures is often a concern for patients. Fortunately, reputable cosmetic surgeons understand this concern and take steps to ensure that confidentiality is maintained. If you are looking for a cosmetic surgeon and are concerned about confidentiality consider a few points.
Look for a surgeon who abides by HIPAA regulations or has set standards of confidentiality.
The health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996 sets up standards for among other things, privacy and confidentiality of medical records. It also sets stiff penalties for those who break the law, often fines up to $10,000 per occurrence for breaking the laws. Unfortunately, not all physicians are covered by the HIPAA statutes, especially physicians who are not participating in insurance plans. A reputable plastic surgeon, even though not bound by HIPAA will have regulations in place in their office to ensure patient medical record confidentiality. Be sure to question your surgeon about their privacy practices.
Consider a vacation destination.
Consider having your surgery in a location which is within driving distance of your home, but far enough away that people will not know you. Recovery times vary, but you can consider a week or two 'vacation' to another city in which you have your procedure and recover before returning home. Some physicians will even offer travel discounts or special accommodations for traveling patients. You will want a physician who is close enough to your home that you could travel back to the office in case of a complication.
Determine what your physician's office flow is.
Most cosmetic surgeons will have some system for maintaining privacy of their postoperative patients. Patients coming in before surgery may have a common waiting room, but patients returning after procedures should have a separate waiting area or entrance to ensure that they can maintain privacy during their postoperative period. If there is not a completely separate area, the physician may arrange his/her schedule to ensure that postoperative patients are scheduled in such a way as to not be seen by other patients. Be sure to ask your surgeon what their accommodations are for maintaining privacy after surgery. Unfortunately, some offices do not maintain private areas and patients are required to mingle with other patients.
Ask about the use of photographs
Cosmetic surgeons will often maintain preoperative and postoperative photographs at least as part of the medical record. Patients often ask to see these photographs as evidence of the physician's skill. If you are considering facial procedures, be sure to ask your surgeon what their policy is on use of photographs. A reputable surgeon will only show photographs for which he has obtained explicit permission from the patient.
As always, finding a surgeon with experience and training is crucial. If you are considering plastic surgery in Lafayette, LA or elsewhere and are concerned about privacy, consider a trip to Dallas to visit expert facial plastic surgeon Dr. D.J. Verret. But his experience in the Dallas facelift to work for you. Call today for your consultation 972.608.0100 or visit him on the web.
