Which of the following PHI can be disclosed by the medical office without the patient's permission?

Which of the following PHI can be disclosed by the medical office without the patient's permission?

• A. Medical practice's treatment, payment, and operation information
• B. Patient's full medical history
• C. Specialty referrals
• D. Patient's family health history

Answer: (A)

The disclosure of certain types of Protected Health Information (PHI) without a patient's permission is governed by regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Specifically, the types of information that can typically be disclosed without patient permission include elements related to the healthcare provider's treatment, payment, and operational activities. This means that medical practices are allowed to share information that pertains to the services they provide to patients, the billing for those services, and the administrative functions necessary to run the practice. Such disclosures are considered necessary for the continuity of care, facilitating billing and claims processing, and ensuring the office's operational integrity. In contrast, the other options presented involve more sensitive personal health information regarding the patient. These types of information, such as the patient's complete medical history, specialty referrals, and family health history, often require specific patient consent before they can be disclosed to protect the patient's confidentiality and privacy rights.

The disclosure of certain types of Protected Health Information (PHI) without a patient's permission is governed by regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Specifically, the types of information that can typically be disclosed without patient permission include elements related to the healthcare provider's treatment, payment, and operational activities.

This means that medical practices are allowed to share information that pertains to the services they provide to patients, the billing for those services, and the administrative functions necessary to run the practice. Such disclosures are considered necessary for the continuity of care, facilitating billing and claims processing, and ensuring the office's operational integrity.

In contrast, the other options presented involve more sensitive personal health information regarding the patient. These types of information, such as the patient's complete medical history, specialty referrals, and family health history, often require specific patient consent before they can be disclosed to protect the patient's confidentiality and privacy rights.