Patient Information
Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of patients and patient information is a primary responsibility of the Office of Public Relations and Marketing.
New federal regulations require some changes in the way we report patient information to the media. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has established privacy standards that will protect the kind of information we can provide about hospital patients.
Under the new law, individuals entering our hospital for any kind of treatment will be given an opportunity to "opt in" or "opt out" of the patient directory.
If they "opt in," Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center will release a one-word condition (see below) about a patient's status upon request from the media. The reporter must provide the patient's first and last name.
If the patient "opts out," or if you do not provide a first and last name, no information can be given. In this case, HIPAA will not even allow us to acknowledge that the patient is or was at our facility.
Patient Condition Definitions
Undetermined: Patient is awaiting evaluation by a physician.
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.
Treated and Released: Received treatment, but was not admitted.
Treated and Transferred: Treated and transferred to another facility. We may not disclose where the patient has been transferred.
Contact Us
During regular business hours (Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), call Public Relations & Marketing at (336) 716-4587.
After hours, weekends and holidays, call Nursing Administration at (336) 716-3418.