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. Place a pulse oximeter on the patient's earlobe: A pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation and pulse but is not used for manually palpating the pulse.
B. Palpate the patient's radial artery: The radial artery, located at the wrist, is commonly palpated to manually obtain the pulse.
C. Place a pulse oximeter on the patient's finger: A pulse oximeter measures pulse rate and oxygen saturation but does not involve manual palpation.
D. Palpate the patient's popliteal artery: The popliteal artery is located behind the knee and is less commonly used for routine pulse measurement compared to the radial artery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Capillary blood: Capillary blood can be used in some cases, especially in infants, but it is less accurate than arterial blood for measuring blood pH and gases.
B. Arterial blood: Arterial blood is the correct sample for measuring blood pH and gases (such as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels) because it reflects the gas exchange occurring in the lungs.
C. Venous blood: Venous blood is not typically used for measuring blood gases as it does not accurately reflect the oxygenation status of the body.
D. Cerebrospinal fluid: Cerebrospinal fluid is not used for measuring blood pH and gases; it is typically analyzed for conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord.