I think the HIPPA concern is a non-issue. Our current setup is no different than two doctors who share office space being able to go over and grab another paper chart off the shelf and read it. Or picking up a chart in the hospital for a patient who is not your own. You just don't do it.
There is a HUGE difference. Having two different practices in one database is different. You don't have all of your charts mixed in with that other person's chart. You could never do a search on a medication or other thing unless you squinted your eyes not to look at her patients. When you do backups, you now have both of "your paper charts" all combined into one.
You also have all of the names listed in your Patient List. Should you really know all of the patients that go to her practice?
I just don't see how it can be HIPAA compliant. We don't have all of the doctor in the other side of the building's paper charts in our rack. That is much different than walking over to their side and grabbing a chart.
