> Then you're not allowed to follow up on patients and complete the feedback loop of care, because they're no longer an ER patient, and you're not allowed to in

> Then you're not allowed to follow up on patients and complete the feedback loop of care, because they're no longer an ER patient, and you're not allowed to inquire any more. This is factually incorrect. Healthcare providers are allowed to share information about the specifics of care provided to a patient, and, crucially, they are allowed to do so, within limitations, without the explicit consent of the patient (many practices will have you sign consent paperwork for CYA). It does not require a responding provider to share information upon request with other providers, but they absolutely are allowed to do so. To be very clear: > Yes. The Privacy Rule allows covered health care providers to share protected health information for treatment purposes without patient authorization, as long as they use reasonable safeguards when doing so. Source: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/482/does-hipaa-permit-a-doctor-to-share-patient-information-for-treatment-over-the-phone/index.html https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/482/does-hip...