TN 24 (07-91)

DI 39542.210 Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information -- DDS

A. Kinds of confidential information

Confidential Information is:

  • Information that explicitly identifies claimants, physicians or institutions.

  • Reports and recommendations.

B. Policy

1. General

  1. a. 

    Any medical provider contractor used by the State agency is responsible for maintaining and guarding the privacy of the claimant, the health care facility and the attendant physician.

  2. b. 

    Provider contractors should be aware that SSA cannot provide pledges of confidentiality.

2. Disclosure of information to the public

The medical provider contractor must consult with the DDS before disclosing to the public, any information derived from work performed as a result of the contract. Refer to GN 03300.000.

3. Disclosure to SSA or DDS

The medical provider must comply with any request for information, concerning the work contracted, from SSA or the State agency.

4. Contractor access to claim file

The medical provider must be supplied with existing relevant medical information concerning the claimant's alleged impairment.

5. Contractor access to SSA program information

The medical provider must:

  1. a. 

    Be given access to SSA program information, and be fully informed about the DI program including SSA's CE requirements,

  2. b. 

    Be furnished materials such as the Listing of Impairments

    (DI 34000.000) and elements of CE reports (DI 22510.045B.).

  3. c. 

    Certify that all physicians on staff are credentialed according to State and local law.

NOTE: For clinical laboratory volume providers, the laboratory's licensure and proficiency testing standing in the State must be documented.

6. Data collection

The medical provider must collect and maintain only that information permitted and required under the contract. These records should be maintained for six months or the life of the Contract (whichever is the later).


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0439542210
DI 39542.210 - Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information -- DDS - 08/20/1996
Batch run: 04/02/2013
Rev:08/20/1996