What is the correct approach when sharing a patient's abnormal lab test results with a non-VA healthcare provider?

When sharing a patient's abnormal lab test results with a non-VA healthcare provider, the correct approach involves ensuring that patient consent is obtained to comply with privacy regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Securing a patient’s consent protects their private health information and ensures that sharing the results is legally permissible.

Requesting a patient to sign a release form before sharing results is a standard and essential practice. This step ensures that the patient is aware of what information is being shared and with whom, thus maintaining transparency and trust between the patient and healthcare providers.

Additionally, having the patient sign on a VA letterhead signifies formal documentation of their consent and maintains the professionalism required in healthcare communications. This adds another layer of legitimacy and accountability to the process of sharing sensitive information.

Therefore, both obtaining a signed release form and confirming the patient’s consent on VA letterhead are valid and necessary approaches to responsibly sharing a patient's abnormal lab test results with a non-VA professional.