Patient condition may be provided consistent with the limitations imposed by the HIPAA privacy standards. If an inquiry is made using the patient’s name, general condition information may be provided that does not communicate specific information about the individual. The American Hospital Association has suggested the following one-word descriptions of a patient’s general condition. Our main priority is the protection of patient confidentiality, within the guidelines of Michigan laws.
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 not admitted.
Treated and Transferred: Received treatment.Transferred to a different facility.
Undetermined: Patient awaiting physician assessment
Unit clerks or nursing staff should direct all media inquiries about patient conditions to the department of Commmunication at 734-764-2220. If a police agency needs to interview a patient, they should contact Security at 734-936-7890.
For more information about our privacy practices, see our Notice of Privacy Practices.
Contact Information
phone: 734-764-2220
email: DeptComm-IP-Team@med.umich.edu
