by law can a doctor post hiv test results to a online patient portal

by Valentine Padberg Jr. 7 min read

HIV Testing Laws | Law | Policy and Law | HIV/AIDS | CDC

26 hours ago Data indicate that, of the estimated 1.1 million adults and adolescents living with HIV in the United States at the end of 2009, 18% were unaware of their infection. 1 State laws that facilitate routine testing are vital to efforts to ensure all Americans know their status. In 2006, CDC published its … >> Go To The Portal


Yes. HIV and genetics test results that are done for screening purposes will not be released due to other federal laws and regulations. These results will have to be released or provided by the ordering clinician or by requesting your records from the medical records department.

Do doctors have to disclose their HIV status?

Doctors generally need a patient's written consent to disclose HIV-related information to employers and others requiring medical forms. These consent requirements are in HIPAA and many state laws, including New York's.

Can blood work results be emailed?

Having and using a secure email address by itself does not make you “in compliance.” You still need to use the secure email address appropriately and follow all the other guidelines of HIPAA for your own handling of the ePHI (e.g. the lab results). See our HIPAA-compliance checklist.May 5, 2017

Is mailing test results a HIPAA violation?

The entity with whom the test results were documented and ultimately mailed was likely a “covered entity” under HIPAA. If so, the unauthorized dissemination of another patients's confidential medical information was technically a HIPAA violation.Dec 1, 2014

How do doctors give positive HIV results?

HIV testing can now be done in several ways. The traditional test is one in which blood or oral fluids are taken from the patient and sent to a lab. The lab will do the initial screening test (ELISA) and, if the ELISA is positive, will do a confirming test (Western Blot).

Can doctors give results over the phone?

Yes, as long as they didn't particularly say to see the doctor. They normally only give results out on the phone if they are normal - they don't usually give figures just say it's all ok.

Will doctor call you blood test results?

Do healthcare providers call you if test results show bad news? They may. If results are concerning, they may call you or have a receptionist call to schedule an appointment. 4 A healthcare provider may also call to assure you everything is okay or discuss any needed follow-up tests.Oct 23, 2021

Do doctors send letters with test results?

Some doctors call, text or email patients with results, while others require in-person visits. No federal or state law dictates how or when doctors share test results with patients — legally, both approaches are fine.Dec 4, 2019

Can doctors share patient information without permission?

You may disclose personal information if it is of overall benefit to patient who lacks the capacity to consent. When making the decision about whether to disclose information about a patient who lacks capacity to consent, you must: make the care of the patient your first concern.

Can protected health information be mailed?

At a minimum, PHI must be sent through first class postal mail according to HIPAA. However, under some circumstances PHI must be sent using certified mail. Certified mail requires recipients to sign for it, as such it can only be delivered to the intended recipient.Dec 30, 2020