"So what is going on with them?" <-- Is that statement an invasion of privacy

Not sure where to put this, but I am looking for other health care professional opinions on the matter. I have noticed when making appointments for my patients that when I call the receptionist at MD offices she will always say... "So... what exactly is going on with them that they need to see the Doctor?" Maybe I am just paranoid, but I find that to be none of their business. I know that they are trying to figure out how much time to schedule out, but I don't see how a receptionist should be allowed to ask questions about what is going on with a patient. It is harmless yes, and you can be vague I know by saying "Not feeling well" or "Just needs to follow up" or what have you. Am I being overly nit picky?
It's a harmless question. Her job is to inform the office nurses and physician of the patients that are coming in. Maybe this is a multi-practice office and she sincerely needs to figure out which physician would be best to evaluate the client or sort of her triage duties for scheduling. Many receptionist function in a dual role in the practice setting. I wouldn't give a complete H&P, but I would at least mention which systems are involved. "He's having respiratory complications", "He's immune compromised" "She's having GI comps"Also, many receptionist are not receptionist these days. I know multiple practices that hire Medical assistants, who also function in administrative roles.

They need to know what's going on so they can schedule the patient appropriately. They should be well versed in HIPAA and most likely have medical training of some sort.

My 2 cents are that this is a non-issue. The general nature of the visit is a perfectly reasonable question, one which the office manager and provider (s) guide the receptionist to ask.

They are bound by HIPAA as well...HIPAA in on a need to know basis. They need to know so they may schedule the MD appropriately.