Arizona Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

What must a PT provide upon written request by a patient or their health care decision maker?

1. Access to or a copy of the patient's medical or payment record

2. A summary report of all treatments provided

3. All financial information related to the patient's treatment

4. A verbal explanation of the patient's health status

The correct answer is: Access to or a copy of the patient's medical or payment record

Providing access to or a copy of the patient's medical or payment record upon written request is necessary for several reasons that are grounded in patient rights and regulatory compliance. The ability for patients to access their medical records is a fundamental aspect of healthcare transparency and is often mandated by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. Such access allows patients to understand their treatment plans and make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. Moreover, this practice ensures that patients can verify the accuracy of their medical records and address any inaccuracies that might affect their treatment. It's an essential part of maintaining a trusting relationship between healthcare providers and patients, as it empowers individuals to actively participate in their health care by reviewing the details of their treatment history. This process can also be crucial for coordinating care among multiple healthcare providers. Access to records is different from a summary report of treatments, all financial information, or verbal explanations of health status, as these may not fully encompass the complete medical context and documentation available to a patient or decision-maker. While these may be useful, they do not fulfill the legal and ethical obligation regarding access to complete medical records.