A 19-year-old woman is evaluated in the university health clinic for dysuria and vaginal discharge. She is diagnosed with *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* cervicitis, treated appropriately, and discharged. The patient explicitly asks the physician not to tell her parents about the visit. Two days later, the patient's mother calls the clinic. She states that she is the primary policyholder for her daughter's health insurance and demands to know the results of the recent laboratory tests. Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the physician?
- State that no information can be shared, including whether the daughter is a patient at the clinic.Answer
- BDisclose the test results to the mother because she is the primary health insurance policyholder.
- CConfirm the clinic visit occurred but refuse to disclose the specific laboratory results.
- DInform the mother of the diagnosis because the infection is a state-reportable disease.
- EAsk the mother to provide a written request in order to release the medical records.
Answer
State that no information can be shared, including whether the daughter is a patient at the clinic.
The patient is a competent adult (age ≥ 18), meaning her medical information is fully protected by confidentiality laws. A physician cannot disclose any protected health information to family members, even if they are the primary insurance policyholder, without the patient's explicit authorization. Furthermore, merely confirming that the patient was evaluated at the clinic is a breach of confidentiality because the very fact that a person sought medical care is protected. The only appropriate response is to politely state that no information can be discussed, including confirming or denying the individual's status as a patient.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Patient Confidentiality and Privacy for Adult Dependents
Estimated Time:45s