Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) Practice Exam

When working with clients referred by their physicians for exercise programming, which step is MOST important for the personal trainer to take?

1. Provide the physician with an update on the client's first session and planned exercise program

2. Call the referring physician to thank him or her for the referral

3. Obtain written permission from the client prior to communicating with the referring physician

4. Ask the client if the trainer can contact the referring physician

The correct answer is: Obtain written permission from the client prior to communicating with the referring physician

The most important step for a personal trainer when working with clients referred by their physicians for exercise programming is to obtain written permission from the client prior to communicating with the referring physician. This is crucial for maintaining the client's confidentiality and adhering to privacy regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). By obtaining written permission, the trainer ensures that the client is fully informed and consents to the sharing of their medical information, thus establishing a trustful and transparent relationship. This step is foundational to professional practice in health and fitness, as it prioritizes the client's autonomy and rights regarding their personal health information. Without this written consent, any communication between the trainer and the physician could potentially violate confidentiality laws, leading to legal ramifications and a breakdown in the trust relationship built with the client. While keeping the physician updated can be beneficial for continuity of care, and expressing gratitude for the referral is polite, these actions should only follow after the client has given explicit permission for communication. Similarly, simply asking the client whether the trainer can contact the physician does not ensure that the legal requirements of informed consent are met. Written permission is the formal and recognized method to protect both the client's privacy and the trainer's professional integrity.