Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

Which pair of information does not connect a patient with their diagnosis?

1. Phone number and provider name

2. Diagnosis and medical history

3. Test results and patient ID

4. Symptoms and treatment plan

The correct answer is: Phone number and provider name

The selection of the pair that does not connect a patient with their diagnosis hinges on understanding how certain pieces of information relate specifically to identifying a patient's medical condition. When considering the combination of phone number and provider name, these elements serve administrative and logistical purposes but do not directly establish a medical diagnosis. The phone number is a means of contact, and the provider name identifies the healthcare professional, but neither offers any insight into the patient's health status or medical condition. In contrast, the other choices all contain pairs of information that have a direct link to a patient's diagnosis. For instance, the connection between diagnosis and medical history is essential as the medical history provides context and background that can substantially influence diagnosis. Similarly, test results and patient ID are linked, with the test results often being a fundamental tool for establishing a diagnosis, while the patient ID ensures that those results are accurately assigned to the correct individual. Lastly, symptoms and treatment plans are often derived from a diagnosis, where the symptoms guide what treatment is required. Thus, the identified pair effectively highlights a relationship that does not contribute to making a diagnosis, thereby marking it as the correct answer.