Hospital takes photos of patients with health insurance: Many mixed opinions

After Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, implemented the practice of taking photos of patients coming for medical examination and treatment using health insurance cards to serve the implementation of electronic medical records, there were many conflicting opinions from patients.

According to reports, recently, many people coming to Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital for medical examination and treatment using health insurance cards were surprised when they were asked to take a personal photo before entering the hospital.

Some people agreed after medical staff explained that this was one of the steps in implementing electronic medical records to improve the quality of patient service.

However, many people expressed concern that their images and information would not be kept confidential and would be leaked.

Others believe that the level 2 electronic identification account (VNeID) has integrated personal information and biometrics (portrait, fingerprints), so the hospital taking photos of patients is unnecessary and creates complicated and troublesome procedures for patients.

On the side of Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, the hospital's leaders said that the unit is gradually converting to digital, implementing electronic medical records according to the requirements of the Ministry of Health to improve the quality of patient service.

Taking photos of patients serves the digital transformation process, prevents mistakes in the treatment process, and puts the safety and interests of patients first.

Patient identification by image helps the medical team ensure the right person, right disease, right medicine, right procedure, reducing errors in the examination and treatment process. The hospital also strictly complies with the law on protecting the personal image of patients.

However, due to mixed reactions from patients, Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital has temporarily suspended this activity and is awaiting instructions from higher-level leaders.

Regarding this incident, Mr. Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, said that the Department does not encourage medical facilities to take photos of patients without fully developing procedures and without regulations on protecting personal information according to legal regulations.

It is a practical need for hospitals to proactively take pictures of patients to enhance identification, avoid patient confusion and improve management efficiency. However, this activity must be strictly implemented in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Clause 2, Article 69 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 stipulates: Medical examination and treatment facilities are responsible for storing, securing and only using electronic medical records for the purpose of medical examination and treatment; they must not be used for the wrong purpose or contrary to the provisions of law.

Decree No. 13/2023/ND-CP of the Government on personal data protection also clearly states: The collection and use of personal data, including images, must be clearly explained, transparent and have the consent and voluntariness of the person with the data.

Thus, taking pictures of patients during medical examinations is only allowed when patients are fully informed about the purpose of use, the scope of storage, the right to personal data protection and must have their consent. Medical facilities are not allowed to consider this a mandatory condition for receiving medical examinations and treatment, especially in medical examinations and treatment under health insurance.

Therefore, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health requires that, before taking pictures of patients, medical facilities need to develop a specific implementation plan and report to the Department of Health for guidance and assessment of the legality, implementation process and the ability to ensure confidentiality and privacy for patients; at the same time, ensure compliance with current legal regulations.

Medical facilities absolutely must not cause trouble or affect the rights of patients when accessing medical examination and treatment services./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/benh-vien-chup-anh-benh-nhan-kham-bao-hiem-y-te-nhieu-y-kien-trai-chieu-post1052457.vnp