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Release of Patient Information

At Cone Health, protecting the privacy and confidentiality of patients and patient information is of utmost importance. The release of patient information is done in accordance with federal guidelines set through HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

With patient authorization, a one word condition will be released for good, fair, serious, critical or deceased.

  • Good - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.
  • Fair - Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
  • Serious - Vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.
  • Critical - Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.
  • Undetermined - Patient is being assessed by medical staff.
  • Deceased - The death of a patient will only be reported after the family has been told.

HIPPA allows a patient to "opt-out" of the release of any information regarding their condition. In this case, a condition cannot be released nor can it be acknowledged that the individual is a patient at a Cone Health facility.