A New York man is suing CVS for telling his wife he had a Viagra prescription, according to the New York Post.
Last year, Michael Feinberg brought a prescription for the erectile dysfunction drug to CVS. He specifically told the pharmacy he would pay for the medication himself instead of going through insurance, according to the suit he filed.
A few days later Feinberg’s wife called the pharmacy to check on one of her own prescriptions and an employee began talking about Feinberg’s Viagra, the New York Post reported. Feinberg claims his marriage has since “broken down.”
Feinberg claims CVS violated his privacy under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). According to the Medical Board of California, HIPPA is a law designed to protect patients’ medical records and other health information provided by health plans, doctors, hospitals and other health care providers.
Feinburg says his wife is a “third-party” who had no right to know about the drug, according to the New York Post.
He says he has suffered “genuine, severe mental injury and emotional harm” and is seeking damages."
A spokesman for CVS reported told the New York Post the pharmacy places, “the highest priority on protecting the privacy of those we serve.”
