Can you send X-rays directly to another provider without the patient’s consent?

The correct choice highlights the principle that healthcare providers, including chiropractors, must maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to regulations regarding the release of medical records, including X-rays. Under California law, a healthcare provider cannot disclose any medical information, including X-rays, without the patient's consent, except in specific circumstances defined by law.

In general, patient consent is essential for sharing their medical information with another provider. This is rooted in the ethical practice of maintaining patient confidentiality and respecting their autonomy over their own medical records. Therefore, sending X-rays directly to another provider without obtaining consent from the patient is prohibited.

While there may be certain exceptions where sharing information may be permissible in the interest of providing care, they typically still require some level of patient consent or must meet strict legal criteria, such as in emergencies or specific obligated reporting scenarios. Thus, issuing X-rays without the patient's consent is against the standard practices and legal requirements guiding healthcare professionals.