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 A
Explanation
A. Offer to review and research the problem: Offering to review and research the billing concern shows willingness to address the issue and provides the patient with assistance.
B. Inform the patient you will ask the provider to call them: Billing concerns should be handled by the administrative or billing department, not the provider.
C. Have the patient fill out a HIPAA form before proceeding: A HIPAA form is not required for addressing billing concerns; it is for accessing or disclosing protected health information.
D. Recommend the patient contact their bank: The bank is not responsible for billing concerns related to medical services; the issue should be addressed directly with the healthcare facility.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Sig: This is correct. "Sig" (short for "signatura") is the section where the provider’s directions to the patient regarding how to take the medication are written.
B. Schedule: The schedule typically refers to the drug classification, not directions for the patient.
C. Superscription: The superscription includes the Rx symbol and is not where the directions are listed.
D. Subscription: The subscription includes instructions to the pharmacist on how to prepare the medication, not directions for the patient.