Question

Dr. Trial receives a phone call from another physician who is well known to him in his local community. The physician says that one of Dr. Trial's former patients has transferred his care to him and he is asking for a copy of the patient, medical record.

A) Provide the copy of the medical record promptly.
B) Refuse to release the medical record without patient consent.
C) Contact the patient for permission to release the record.
D) Consult with legal counsel before releasing the record.

Answer 1

When a physician receives a request for a patient's medical record from another physician, they should prioritize patient privacy rights and consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with relevant laws, such as HIPAA.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a physician receives a request for a patient's medical record from another physician, they should follow certain ethical and legal considerations. It is important to prioritize patient privacy rights and maintain the confidentiality of their medical information. Therefore, the appropriate response in this scenario would be to refuse to release the medical record without patient consent (option B). Before taking any further action, the physician should consult with legal counsel (option D) to ensure they are complying with the relevant laws and regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) which protects patient privacy.