What should be done if a patient's spouse requests diagnostic information but is not the patient?

When a patient's spouse requests diagnostic information, obtaining signed authorization from the patient is the appropriate course of action. This is because patient confidentiality and privacy are paramount under various regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. A spouse, while closely related, does not automatically have the right to access sensitive health information concerning the patient without explicit permission.

Requiring the patient’s authorization serves to protect their privacy and ensures that they have control over their medical information. Moreover, it establishes a clear line of trust between the healthcare provider and the patient, reinforcing that sensitive health details are shared only with those whom the patient has actively designated.

Other approaches, such as releasing information simply because the spouse is the policyholder, do not respect the patient’s right to privacy, as the policyholder's role does not grant them unrestricted access to medical details. Asking the spouse to contact the insurance company misses the fact that the insurance company typically does not handle clinical information but rather the details related to policy coverage and claims. Lastly, releasing information if the patient is aware still falls short of the necessary legal and ethical standards. Authorization is essential regardless of the circumstances, which underscores the importance of clear consent in healthcare communications.