Under the leadership of Medical Records Manager, Salma Malimar, the medical records department has created an update Release of Information (ROI) form. This new document provides more clear instructions to patients, an expiration date, and updated language for the method of release, and consent to e-mail transmission of PHI. Since the correct completion of an ROI is critical to justify the release of information, it is still recommended that all main clinic ROIs be signed in consultation with medical records personnel at the time of their visit.
Recall that an ROI is not necessary when it involves treatment, payment, or health care operations. This includes:
- Consultation between providers regarding a patient and referral of a patient by one provider to another.
- Communication with a health plan to determine or fulfill responsibility for coverage and provision of benefits, or to obtain payment or reimbursement for health care delivered to an individual.
- Providing information pertaining to quality assessment and improvement activities, case management, care coordination, credentialing, accreditation, audits, and compliance programs.