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In-Patient Condition Reports
Rush North Shore Medical Center provides leading-edge care in a supportive environment. Our first responsibility is to protect the privacy of our patients and their families.
The Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) placed strict restrictions on the information that can be released about a patient's condition. HIPAA guidelines state that inquiries must contain the patient's name, and a one-word statement of condition may be given. Patients must be listed in the hospital directory for the information to be released; the patient does have the option of "opting out" so that no information is made public.
For all other information, including experts to comment on stories, please contact the Public Relations Department. We understand the media's deadlines as well as the demands on physicians' time and can help coordinate interviews.
The following terms will be used to describe the patient's condition:
- Undetermined
- Good: Vital signs, such as pulse, temperature and blood pressure are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Outlook for recovery is good or excellent.
- Fair: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious. Patient is uncomfortable or may have minor complications. Favorable outlook.
- Serious: Acutely ill with questionable outlook. Vital signs may be unstable or within normal limits. A chance for improved outlook.
- Critical: Questionable outlook. Vital signs are unstable or not within normal limits. There are major complications; death may be imminent.
The fact and time of birth will be given. However, we will withhold the fact of death from the news media until we have notified the next of kin.
The name of the attending physician will not be released without his/her permission.
No further information can be released without the patient’s consent.
Media inquiries should be directed to (847) 708-5792. |
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