Medical Auditing Practice Exam

When responding to a subpoena for medical records, which document is likely NOT required for submission?

1. Patient's medical history

2. Signed authorization for release of information

3. Billing records

4. Lab results

The correct answer is: Signed authorization for release of information

When responding to a subpoena for medical records, a signed authorization for the release of information is typically not required for submission. A subpoena is a legal document that compels an individual or organization to provide evidence or documents to a court. When a subpoena is properly issued, it carries the legal authority to demand specific records without the need for patient consent, as the nature of a subpoena is to seek information for legal proceedings. In this context, items like the patient's medical history, billing records, and lab results are all relevant documents that may be specifically requested in the subpoena. These records provide essential information that is often necessary for legal assessments or investigations. However, the requirement for a signed authorization usually applies to general requests for patient information outside of legal stipulations, as patient consent is fundamental to privacy laws and regulations, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Therefore, the document identified as not required for submission under a subpoena reflects the legal framework that allows for the production of medical records without the additional step of obtaining patient consent.