What should you do if you want to inform a patient's non-VA healthcare provider about abnormal lab results?

When informing a patient's non-VA healthcare provider about abnormal lab results, the ideal approach involves notifying the provider directly, which ensures timely communication of critical health information. In this case, signed authorization is not required because healthcare providers are often allowed to share patient information for treatment purposes without obtaining additional consent, especially when there may be significant implications for the patient's immediate care. This facilitates better coordinated care between the VA and the patient's other healthcare providers, ensuring that all parties are informed of important health developments.

On the other hand, relying on the patient to communicate the information or sending results via email might introduce delays or confidentiality concerns, potentially compromising the patient's care. Directly contacting the provider with the results helps address any urgent medical needs and promotes a collaborative approach to the patient's health management.