A caller asks for a neighbor patient's diagnosis without authorization. Best MA action?
Answer choices
- AShare the full chart because the caller sounds trustworthy
- BDecline to disclose and follow privacy protocol
- CConfirm the diagnosis if the caller knows the birthdate only
- DLeave detailed PHI on the caller's voicemail without verifying identity
About this question
A caller asks for a neighbor patient's diagnosis without authorization. What should the MA do? This blends communication professionalism with privacy, a high-intent scenario for both CCMA study and real front-desk practice. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NHA CCMA competency being tested.
This item asks for the best action. Decline to disclose and follow privacy protocol. Curiosity, relationship claims, or “I’m helping them” do not replace authorization. Verify identity and release rules before any clinical detail leaves the clinic. For caller asks neighbor diagnosis without authorization, explain why the tempting distractor belongs to a different procedure, role, or setting. Test the rule again in a new scenario. Review that contrast aloud before you continue. Use it to guide your next timed attempt.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- AShare the full chart because the caller sounds trustworthy
- BDecline to disclose and follow privacy protocolCorrect
- CConfirm the diagnosis if the caller knows the birthdate only
- DLeave detailed PHI on the caller's voicemail without verifying identity
Basic rationale
Protect PHI and do not disclose without proper authorization.
Option explanations
- A: Incorrect. Share the full chart because the caller sounds trustworthy is not the best choice for this scenario.
- B: Correct. Protect PHI and do not disclose without proper authorization.
- C: Incorrect. Confirm the diagnosis if the caller knows the birthdate only is not the best choice for this scenario.
- D: Incorrect. Leave detailed PHI on the caller's voicemail without verifying identity is not the best choice for this scenario.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
Phone disclosures require authorization and minimum necessary rules.
Distractor analysis
A: Unauthorized disclosure. C: Insufficient authorization. D: Voicemail PHI risk.
Exam trap
Curiosity or neighbor status is not authorization.
Memory tip
No auth, no diagnosis on the phone.
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