For Media

The New York Hospital Queens Department of Public Affairs is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We can provide medical experts, assist with health news reports or other inquiries.

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Media Inquiries for Patient Information

New York Hospital Queens is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our patients and their medical information. The Public Affairs Department provides patient conditions in accordance with the American Hospital Association guidelines contained in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Verifying if a Patient is at this Hospital

To inquire whether a patient is at New York Hospital Queens, journalists should contact the Public Affairs Department.

• Journalists must have the patient’s full and correct name.
• Our staff will confirm whether the patient is included in the hospital census.
• A patient has the option to “opt out” of the hospital’s directory. In this case, our staff will not be able to confirm whether the patient is at the hospital.

Procedure to Obtain a Patient's Condition

To inquire about a patient at New York Hospital Queens, journalists should contact the Public Affairs Department.

• Journalists must have the patient's full and correct name.
• Our staff can only provide one-word descriptions about a patient's general condition. See patient conditions below.
• The release of any medical information beyond a one-word condition requires written authorization by the patient or the patient's legal representative.
• We will acknowledge the death of a patient only after next-of-kin have been notified.

Definition of General Patient Conditions

• Undetermined: Patient is awaiting physician and 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.

According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the word "stable" is not used as a condition.