Chronic Viral Hepatitis Registry Frequently Asked Questions

What information is reported by clinical laboratories to SFDPH?

The California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Section 2505, outlines the tests (including HBV and HCV test results) that clinical laboratories are obligated to report. In addition to test date and results, laboratories must report identifying information for the patient (name, address, phone, gender, date of birth, medical record number) and the ordering physician (name, address, phone). This reporting enables health departments to undertake disease control interventions and manage communicable disease outbreaks.

Why doesn't the Chronic Viral Hepatitis Registry include chronic HCV?

The Registry database does receive and store all reports of positive tests for HCV. At this time, however, supplemental data collection from providers has been activated only for chronic HBV. As future funding permits, supplemental HCV data collection may be initiated as well.

Does HIPAA allow physicians to send patient data to SFDPH without specific patient authorization?

Yes. Language in the HIPAA Privacy Rule, Section 164.512(b), specifically authorizes disclosures for public health purposes. Providers are authorized to disclose protected health information to a public health authority, without individual authorization, for the purpose of conducting public health surveillance, public health investigations, and public health interventions. The information on the "Follow-up of Positive Hepatitis B Laboratory Report" form may be disclosed under this authority.

Will my patient's information be kept confidential?

Yes. SFDPH routinely receives confidential information about patients with communicable diseases. Standard procedures are followed to protect the confidentiality of patient information.

Why is information requested from the clinician? Can't the laboratory supply it?

The laboratories collect and report test data and basic patient identifiers, but do not provide other epidemiologically important patient data, such as race/ethnicity and disease risk factors.

Will my patient be contacted as part of the registry?

No. Patients will not be contacted directly at this time. If in the future patient interviews will be conducted as part of the registry, a notice will be sent to health care providers.

How long does it take to complete the follow-up form?

It should take just a few minutes. The form has been kept as brief as possible. To speed completion and improve accuracy, it is recommended to keep the patient's medical chart available for reference.

Must the form be completed by a physician, or can other office staff complete it?

The form can be completed by any member of the office staff who has sufficient expertise and access to information to answer all the questions.

If I order multiple tests per patient, will I have to fill out duplicate forms?

Unlikely. The database tracks patients longitudinally and can account for multiple and duplicate tests. In limited circumstances an additional follow up form might be sent, such as if the patient has changed health care provider, or if there is information missing from a prior follow-up form.

What if I receive a follow-up form but the patient listed is not my patient?

If this occurs, please check the box to indicate this is not your patient and return the form to us. If you know who the patient's physician is, please provide the name and phone so the form can be re-routed appropriately.