How does hipaa lead to protecting health information?

Maybe: Hipaa was designed to prevent unwarranted sharing of health information electronically. It rapidly expanded to absurd levels. It inhibits communication among doctors and restricts clinical research. It increases costs and annoyance. The government and insurance companies can trade this information without restriction. The whole thing needs revision.

Complex topic: This pdf details privacy rights with your medical/ personal information: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/consumer_rights.pdf