Office Administrative Assistant Practice Exam

The daughter of an elderly adult patient calls to gain clarification about her mother's new treatment. Which of these should the Medical Administrative Assistant look to be complete prior to sharing this information?

1. Patient's consent

2. Insurance approval

3. ROI

4. Patient's medical history

The correct answer is: ROI

In the context of sharing information about a patient's treatment, it is essential for the Medical Administrative Assistant to ensure that the Release of Information (ROI) documentation is complete. The ROI is a legal document that allows for the sharing of a patient's medical information with designated individuals, such as family members. In this scenario, the daughter of the patient is seeking clarification about her mother's new treatment, which constitutes a request for confidential medical information. Without the proper ROI in place, sharing any details about the mother's treatment may violate privacy regulations, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States. Ensuring that the ROI is adequately completed protects the patient's rights and adheres to legal standards regarding confidentiality. While the other options are relevant in an administrative context, such as ensuring insurance coverage is in place or that the medical history is accurate, they do not directly address the immediate concern of sharing patient information with a family member. Therefore, confirming the completion of the ROI is paramount to allow for the legal and ethical sharing of the mother's treatment details.