Is it true or false that a third-party payer can be sent all records from any encounters before and after the claim date without authorization?

The statement is false because third-party payers must adhere to strict privacy regulations and guidelines, which include the necessity for proper patient authorization when it comes to the release of medical records. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), medical records cannot be shared freely; they must be limited to what is necessary for processing a claim. This typically means that only records relevant to the specific treatment or encounter related to the claim can be disclosed without patient authorization. Sending all records from encounters before and after the claim date would be considered a violation of the patient's privacy rights and the regulations in place to protect that information. This emphasizes the importance of obtaining proper authorization to ensure compliance with legal standards concerning patient information management.