Question

3. Mr. Albertson is on the phone. He states his wife was in the clinic yesterday for lab testing and he wants you to tell him the results of the urinalysis immediately. You explain that his wife has individual privacy rights and such information can be disclosed only to her. You suggest he talk directly to her. He is very angry! “I have a right to know since I pay the bills. I’m going to report you for a HIPAA violation.” Question: Should you cave and tell him? Why?

Answer 1

No, you should not cave and tell him the results of the urinalysis. As a healthcare professional, it is your duty to protect the privacy and confidentiality of patients' health information. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), individuals have the right to control the use and disclosure of their protected health information.

In this situation, Mr. Albertson's wife has the right to decide who can access her medical information, including the results of her lab tests. It is inappropriate and a violation of her privacy rights to disclose this information to her husband without her consent. Even though he may pay the bills, it does not give him the right to access her personal health information without her permission.

If Mr. Albertson decides to report you for a HIPAA violation, it is important to remain calm and handle the situation professionally. The appropriate response would be to inform him that you understand his concerns but are obligated to protect the privacy of all patients. You can also suggest that he speaks directly with his wife to address his concerns or offer assistance in arranging a meeting with his wife and her healthcare provider to discuss the results, if appropriate and with the wife's consent.