I finally told my nosey boss that i was having a 'procedure' done on Monday and now the whole office knows. I only mentioned it to her. I am so embarassed because people are coming up to me asking what am I getting done?!! Another asked how long would i be out. None of your damn business. Isn't some sort of HIPAA violation. Can I sue my employer??? Do I have a case?

I should also mention that i never stated that i am having surgery only a 'procedure' but my out of office notice filled out by the surgeons office has Surgical specialist on it..

https://fedexoffice.ehr.com/files/pdf/FedEx_Office_HIPAA_Privacy_Notice_042709_recd_09092009.pdf

Ok in all honesty she should storm into her bosses office and smack her in the face till her wig comes off! Lol sorry for misunderstanding what you were saying tes!

http://www.hhs.gov/o...mary/index.html

Look at who is covered by the privacy plan.

Yes, and Fed Ex doesn't fall into any of those categories. You need to let your HR person know! Maybe he/she was confused or just didn't present the info very well. I'm sure that corporate HR is in the know but maybe they need to explain better to their team.

No worries, Fyre...nothing wrong with a good discussion to share info with each other.

I'm not surprised they were wrong this companies completely backwards on everything. Lol

After reading this post... I won't be telling my boss! They are all health nuts in here anyways... Just telling them taking some personal time.

Ultimately, though, even though this isn't a HIPPA issue, there are generally company regulations that require that your boss should be keeping her big mouth shut because of legal implications if she says too much I would definitely bring it up with HR, let them know that it caused you embarassment and distress, as you had intended to keep your health plans private (as is your right) so that you wouldn't have to deal with questions and comments that you are now getting.

I told everyone that would listen because I was only taking 5 days off and I wanted them to know why I might not be "myself" when I got back.

I'm lucky though, everyone is 1000% supportive. I know, it's an exception, but it's why I chose my employer.

I hope you work something out with them OP.

Thanks everyone! I am now seeking legal advice. I want pain and suffering. I am so embarrassed that i don't want to show my face at work.

Thanks everyone! I am now seeking legal advice. I want pain and suffering. I am so embarrassed that i don't want to show my face at work.

I'm sorry you're going through this, MK, and I know that level of embarassment can be debilitating. Just be cautious about where you get your legal advice for this, and think about the ramifications if you do decide to go for it, okay? There are potential costs to you besides money and time, regardless of how the suit turns out.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

I'm sorry this happened to you. but, I'm fairly certain you don't have a legal case. what will happen is (regardless of what in fact happened) your boss will simply say that he/she was informing your co-workers that you will be gone, which is well within his/her right to do so. a description of "having a procedure", while I agree is an over-share--- It is not against the law.

Pain and suffering? (I'm sorry, I work at a law firm and so many people throw this term around and threaten lawsuits, I'm nearly jaded). I think you should just let this go. You are getting yourself worked up about it, and you should just let it go, and relax. focus on your surgery, and your health. and best wishes!

I'm sorry this happened to you. but' date=' I'm fairly certain you don't have a legal case. what will happen is (regardless of what in fact happened) your boss will simply say that he/she was informing your co-workers that you will be gone, which is well within his/her right to do so. a description of "having a procedure", while I agree is an over-share--- It is not against the law.

Pain and suffering? (I'm sorry, I work at a law firm and so many people throw this term around and threaten lawsuits, I'm nearly jaded). I think you should just let this go. You are getting yourself worked up about it, and you should just let it go, and relax. focus on your surgery, and your health. and best wishes![/quote']

I have to return to work in 2 weeks but i am embarrased to go back because everyone knows my business.

I'm not trying to make light of your situation. I'm sure if it were me, I'd feel the same. But , sometimes we gotta put our big girl pants on, and deal with things we don't like. You work because you need a paycheck. If you didn't you wouldn't be going back. That being said you have far too much on your plate (no pun intended) to focus on besides office gossip and petty drama. just go in there, focus on your post op diet, and who cares what they think?? you dont need their approval, honey. It seems like a big deal now, but it will pass, and no one will care about it once you return back to work. and if it really bothers you that much to discuss it-- just simply say that-- I'd really rather not discuss it, but thank you for the well wishes, or something like that. no one will press you for more information. dont stress yourself over this.

That's not right at all. My boss ask me today how long will I be out and war type of surgery am I having. I told him 6 weeks and I told him hr know what type of surgery that I am having. I didn't feel that he was the right one to discuss my business with. If I had told him my business would have been all over my department. But look into legal advice because something could be done about that.

I have to return to work in 2 weeks but i am embarrased to go back because everyone knows my business.

Based on what you said originally, all that you know was shared was that you will be out having a procedure. Do you know for sure that anything more than that was shared, or are you allowing your imagination to jump into the picture and make it seem worse than it is? I know how easy it is to do that - I've done it to myself before. If the only thing they know is that you had a procedure, then just politely answer that you're fine but you don't discuss details about your health and change the topic. Most people will get the point and leave it at that.

If you find that you're being harassed about it, a conversation with HR is in order, but I'm betting that most of what you'll get is a cordial "Welcome back, how are you?" and maybe an occasional question that you'll have to politely not answer once or twice.

There have probably been more new things to gossip about while you were out. You're old news now, m' dear. The rumors about Susie being seen talking with that cute married guy in Accounting is probably what the gossips are going on about this week