When sending records to a physician, what is this process called?

The process of sending records to a physician is referred to as disclosure. In healthcare, disclosure involves the transmission of patient information or medical records to authorized individuals or entities, such as healthcare providers, for purposes related to patient care. This action is essential for facilitating continuity of care, ensuring that physicians have the necessary information to make informed decisions about a patient's treatment.

Understanding disclosure is critical in health information management because it encompasses the legal and ethical responsibilities related to patient privacy and confidentiality. Healthcare professionals must ensure that any disclosure of patient information complies with regulations such as HIPAA, which governs when and how patient information can be shared.

The other terms listed—documentation, authorization, and utilization review—serve different purposes in healthcare and health information management. Documentation refers to the process of recording patient information, authorization involves obtaining consent from the patient before sharing their records, and utilization review is a process to evaluate the appropriateness of healthcare services provided to patients. Each plays a distinct role in patient care and health information practices, but none specifically describes the act of sharing records with a physician.