The partner of a patient comes into the office demanding to know what the patient was seen for and why they were charged for the visit. Which of the following the best way for the medical assistant to handle this situation when no medical records release authorization form is on file?
Advise them that privacy regulations prevent releasing patient information regardless of their relationship to the patient.
Verbally share the patient information with them since they are the subscriber on the patient's medical insurance.
Reassure them that they have nothing to worry about since their partner's visit was only a follow-up to a minor surgery.
Instruct them to provide proof of identity prior to providing the requested information.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Advise them that privacy regulations prevent releasing patient information regardless of their relationship to the patient: Privacy regulations, such as those outlined in HIPAA, restrict the release of patient information without proper authorization, regardless of the inquirer’s relationship to the patient.
B. Verbally share the patient information with them since they are the subscriber on the patient's medical insurance: Even if the partner is the insurance subscriber, patient information cannot be disclosed without the patient’s explicit authorization.
C. Reassure them that they have nothing to worry about since their partner's visit was only a follow-up to a minor surgery: Providing details about the visit without authorization violates patient privacy and confidentiality.
D. Instruct them to provide proof of identity prior to providing the requested information: Proof of identity is not sufficient without a medical records release authorization form to disclose patient information.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Computerized physician order entry: Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) is used by providers to enter and manage orders for tests, medications, and treatments, not for patient requests.
B. Patient portal: A patient portal is a feature of an electronic health record that allows patients to request refills, schedule appointments, and access their health information online.
C. Prescribing guide: A prescribing guide helps providers make decisions about medications but does not allow patients to make requests.
D. Computer on wheels: A computer on wheels (COW) is a mobile workstation used by healthcare providers for various tasks but does not directly facilitate patient requests.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Vertigo: Ear irrigation can sometimes lead to vertigo or dizziness because the procedure may disturb the balance mechanisms in the inner ear.
B. Urticaria: Urticaria (hives) is an allergic reaction and is not a typical response to ear irrigation.
C. Edema: Edema is not a common reaction to ear irrigation. The procedure is generally localized to the ear canal and should not cause swelling.
D. Rhinitis: Rhinitis involves inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes and is unrelated to ear irrigation.