Confidentiality Policy

WMC respects and supports an individual’s right to privacy
and confidentiality of information.

What information handled by the hospital is considered confidential?
All information related to hospital operations, patients, employment, payroll, patient billing, patient collections, or finance is considered confidential.  Employees are to use and share this information only as it relates to their job duties.  No patient information will be released except as permitted by law.  We take your right to privacy very seriously and any breach of confidence by our employees is grounds for appropriate disciplinary action, including termination.

Can I get access to my medical records at WMC?
Yes, but with limitations.  Because the patient medical record is the property of Wyoming Medical Center, it cannot be removed from the hospital premises.  To get a copy of your medical record, you will need to request it in writing through the Health Information Services Department.  In the case of a minor or incompetent adult, a parent or guardian will have to authorize the release of information.

Can I authorize WMC to share my records with other parties?
When authorized by the patient, WMC will release copies of medical and financial records to other health providers, health care insurers, and/or the patient’s lawyer.

How can I view my medical records at WMC?
You can arrange to view a medical record by contacting the Health Information Services Department at (307) 577-2436.

What information can be obtained by the news media?
The news media can obtain a patient’s condition, but only if the patient’s full name is given by the caller.  The patient’s condition will not be given if the patient has requested NO PUBLICITY, is an incarcerated patient, or is no longer a patient at Wyoming Medical Center.  The Community Development Office, the President’s Office, or the staffing coordinator are the only parties authorized to respond to media inquiries.  No statements identifying patients will be made in cases of psychiatric/chemically dependent patients, attempted suicide, poisonings, alleged intoxication or use of drugs, reportable communicable diseases, transplant recipients and organ donors, battered children or cases involving minors.

Will WMC ever share my information without my consent?
WMC can disclose, without patient authorization, medical records information in patient-identifiable form for state vital statistics laws, which mandate registration of births, deaths, fetal deaths and of other public health laws that compel reporting of certain epidemiologic conditions.  This information is released only to Public Health agencies and the county coroner as required.

What are other ways WMC protects my privacy?
WMC recommends the use of fax transmission of health information only when the mailed copies will not meet the needs of immediate patient care.  An appropriate cover letter with a confidentiality notice should accompany each transmission. 
Employees are discouraged from using cellular phones to discuss sensitive information such as diagnosis, lab reports, and test results.

Upon admission, the patient will be asked to give WMC authorization to post their name on their personal chart, room, patient locator board and other procedure schedules which may be necessary for continuity of care.  Patients who refuse to give this authorization will be identified with a green armband and their name will not be posted in any of the above public areas.

Download entire Privacy Practies Policy.