Describe how the implementation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has had an impact on patient registration procedures in medical facilities.

What will be an ideal response?

Most offices have installed "privacy" windows in the registration area to prevent patients who are waiting to be seen from overhearing staff conversations and phone calls. Patient sign-in sheets are modified so that only a blank line is available to prevent patients from seeing the names of individuals who were seen throughout the day. Computer monitors are fitted with privacy shields so that information as a computer screen is visible only to the individual using the computer.