I'm caring for someone
How do I talk to their doctor when I'm not the patient?
Photo: Vitaly Gariev / Pexels
The doctor can talk to you if your parent says so, in person or on a signed release, or if you hold a healthcare power of attorney. Get that permission on file first; after that the door is open.
What to do
- Ask your parent to tell the doctor's office, in person or through the patient portal, that staff may talk to you.
- Have your parent sign the office's release form, often called a HIPAA authorization, naming you. Then permission doesn't depend on who answers the phone.
- Ask if the office offers proxy access to the patient portal, so you can read results and send messages yourself.
- Bring a short written list of questions to appointments, and take notes.
What to say
I'm calling about my father. He signed a release for me, and it should be in his file. Can you walk me through what the results mean and what happens next?
If the office says they can't talk to you, ask them to check the file for the release, then ask what form they need.
What to watch out for
This is a sensitive stepSmall details here can change the outcome, and some mistakes are hard to undo. We highly recommend a free 15-minute call with us before you decide.
Calling the office with nothing on file. Staff may say no until they can confirm your parent's permission, and questions wait while everyone looks for a form that could have been signed at the last visit.
Better done together
We’re here to help
Being the one who isn't the patient can leave you outside the room. We help you get the right permissions in place and prepare the questions, so the time you have with the doctor counts.
Every situation is different, and these are sensitive moments, so we look at yours with care. We often see what others miss, and we never take commissions from insurance companies: the only thing we are working for is what is right for you.
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The rule behind it
HIPAA, the federal privacy law, lets a doctor share information with a family member involved in care when the patient agrees or does not object. Many offices still ask for a signed form. A person with legal authority to make your parent's health decisions, such as a healthcare agent, must be treated like the patient. HIPAA limits what the office shares, not what it hears, so you can always tell the doctor what you've noticed.
Sources
- 45 CFR 164.510(b) — HIPAA: sharing with family members involved in care
- 45 CFR 164.502(g) — HIPAA personal representatives
- Your parent's signed HIPAA release and healthcare power of attorney
- The doctor's office privacy notice
Amanda Alcodia
Education, not medical, legal or insurance advice.
Useful next steps
Start with the free Kit. If your situation needs a person, the intro call is free too.