Patient Status

Our first priority is always the safety and privacy of our patients and their families. With that in mind, we strictly enforce HIPAA laws that limit the amount of patient information we may release without written consent from a patient or patient representative.

Patients have the choice of opting in or out of the patient registry. If they agree to opt-in, UMass Memorial Health will release a one-word condition about their status upon request from the media based on standard language acceptable under HIPAA laws and American Hospital Association guidelines. Location – inpatient, outpatient or emergency department – may also be provided under the same condition.

If the patient opts out, or we are not provided a first and last name, no information can be given. In this case, HIPAA will not even allow us to acknowledge that the patient is or was at our facility.

To check a patient’s condition, please call 508-334-1000 and provide the full name of the individual. The reporter must provide the patient's first and last name.

• Undetermined - patient awaiting physician and/or assessment
• Good – vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious and comfortable. Indicators are excellent.
• Fair – vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.
• Serious – vital signs may be unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.
• Critical – vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient may be unconscious. Indicators are unfavorable.

Please note we cannot elaborate on a patient’s injuries, illness or prognosis without specific written consent by the patient or the patient’s family.