HIPPA - Who we can discuss the account with

Hypothetical situation - Our patient is a woman, her husband, who is not our patient, is the subscriber. It's his name on the insurance card. Can we discuss her account with him, or do we have to have specific written authorization from the patient to discuss the account with the husband? We're having a spirited discussion about this in our office, and we would appreciate clarification.

Thank you.

John M.
CPC-A

HIPPA - Who we can discuss the account with