HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

Protected health information (PHI) of a patient can be shared primarily for which reason?

1. Insurance verification

2. Diagnosis

3. General record-keeping

4. Marketing of dental services

The correct answer is: Diagnosis

Protected health information (PHI) is crucial for providing appropriate patient care, and sharing it is primarily acceptable for purposes directly related to diagnosis and treatment. In a healthcare setting, the primary reason for sharing PHI is to ensure that healthcare providers have the necessary information to make informed decisions about a patient’s diagnosis, treatment options, and ongoing care. When it comes to diagnosis, it is essential for communication among healthcare providers, specialists, and laboratories to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. This sharing of information can include test results, medical history, and other relevant details that contribute to effective diagnosis and treatment planning. While insurance verification and record-keeping are important functions in healthcare, they can be secondary to the primary goal of treating the patient. Marketing of dental services, however, is not a permissible reason for sharing PHI, as it does not align with the principles of patient privacy and confidentiality outlined in regulations such as HIPAA. This law emphasizes the protection of patient information and restricts its use to essential functions related to healthcare delivery.