What is required from a doctor before accessing patient records for insurance?

The correct answer is found in the requirement for patient consent before a doctor can access patient records for insurance purposes. Patient confidentiality is a cornerstone of medical ethics and legal standards. Healthcare providers must obtain explicit permission from patients to release their medical records to third parties, including insurance companies. This consent ensures that patients maintain control over their sensitive health information and that their privacy rights are respected in accordance with regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Without obtaining this consent, a doctor may violate confidentiality agreements and legal principles, leading to potential legal ramifications and penalties. Therefore, obtaining patient consent is not just a best practice but a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, including Texas. This emphasizes the importance of protecting patient autonomy and upholding trust in the healthcare provider-patient relationship.