Which of the following would represent a loss of confidentiality? Select one:
a. A nurse discovering your credit score
b. The physician’s assistant reviewing your medical history
c. The business manager reviewing your payment history
d. The physician discovering your test results
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a. A nurse discovering your credit score.
Confidentiality in healthcare refers to the protection of patient information, ensuring that only individuals with a legitimate need to know have access to it. This includes medical history, test results, and payment information, which should only be shared with relevant healthcare providers, as well as specific administrative personnel when necessary for billing or insurance purposes.
A loss of confidentiality occurs when sensitive information is accessed or disclosed without proper authorization. In the given options:
- A nurse discovering your credit score represents a loss of confidentiality because a nurse’s role typically does not involve accessing financial information, such as credit scores, unless there is a specific reason related to the patient’s medical or financial situation (for example, applying for financial assistance programs). Revealing a credit score without consent breaches the principle of confidentiality, as it is unrelated to the nurse’s responsibilities in healthcare.
- A physician’s assistant reviewing your medical history is not a breach of confidentiality, assuming they are involved in your care and have the necessary permission to access your medical information.
- The business manager reviewing your payment history is generally acceptable in the context of billing or insurance processing, as long as it is necessary for financial and administrative purposes. It does not violate confidentiality if done correctly and within the appropriate scope of responsibility.
- The physician discovering your test results is also not a breach of confidentiality, as physicians have the right to access test results relevant to the care and treatment they are providing for the patient.
Thus, the disclosure of non-medical information, such as credit scores, to an individual without a need to know constitutes a breach of confidentiality.