The Madigan Army Medical Center Public Affairs Office
About
Madigan Army Medical Center’s Public Affairs Office is responsible for managing the organization’s internal and external communication efforts. Madigan’s Public Affairs mission is to communicate with staff, patients and the American public. This includes working with media outlets to provide information on healthcare programs, events, services, and as well as coordinating and communicating with legislative officials and community organizations.
Media
All media inquiries must be made through Madigan Army Medical Center’s Media Relations. For after hours media inquiries please call (253) 968-1110.
Release of Patient Information
Patient privacy and the release of patient information by a third party is strictly regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, commonly known as HIPAA. This act prohibits Madigan from releasing any information without the consent of the patient, legal guardian, or next of kin.
The following patient conditions available for news media upon request:
Good: Vital signs are stable. The patient is conscious and comfortable.
Fair: Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable or have minor complications.
Serious: Vital signs may be unstable or not within normal limits. Patient is acutely ill, and indications are questionable.
Critical: Vital signs are unstable and not within normal limits. Patient is unconscious or acutely ill. Indicators are questionable.
Deceased: Once notification of next of kin is complete, limited information (name, age and cause of death) will be released.
Undetermined: While this is not a medical classification Madigan staff may use the term to indicate the patient is in the evaluation process to determine a more definitive condition status.
Treated and Released: Treated and released: Patient was treated but not admitted to Madigan.
A prognosis is not given under any circumstance.