CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

Which term describes the unauthorized sharing of patient details?

1. Informed consent

2. Breach of confidentiality

3. Medical malpractice

4. Healthcare fraud

The correct answer is: Breach of confidentiality

The term that accurately describes the unauthorized sharing of patient details is breach of confidentiality. This concept revolves around the ethical and legal obligation that healthcare providers have to protect a patient’s private information. Confidentiality ensures that any personal health information shared by the patient remains secure and is not disclosed without appropriate consent. When patient details are shared without authorization, it constitutes a violation of trust and the legal requirements under regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Breaches can lead to significant consequences for both the provider and the patient, including legal action, financial penalties, and damage to the trust essential in the provider-patient relationship. Informed consent refers to a patient's agreement to medical treatment after being fully informed of the risks and benefits, not the sharing of information. Medical malpractice pertains to professional negligence that results in harm to a patient, while healthcare fraud involves deceitful practices for financial gain. These definitions highlight the distinct nature of each term in relation to patient information and privacy.