Sorry I couldn’t word that better, but I don’t know the proper term. My vocabulary is kind of limited and I have trouble putting thoughts into words.
I always see stuff about this rule, but I don’t really understand it. You can’t talk about what’s said during this appointment, but what does that entail? And what are the exceptions to this rule, because I think there are, right?
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It’s more strict with the gdpr. No medical info if you don’t need it.
We used to overwrite a schedule with “sickleave” if they were out sick. But that’s medical information.
So now we have “absent”. Which pretty much every one knows is out sick.
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I just want to add this applies to medical professionals. If someone tells you something about their health, you have no legal obligation to not tell other people, unless they are under your care or you have privileged knowledge about them from your employment, you may be the a$$hole if you do, but they can’t threaten you legally for telling other people.
Wife is a doctor. Our entire family knows that if somebody recognizes her at the grocery store, we just walk away without saying, “who is that?” hecause she can’t tell us.
The term is patient confidentiality.
There are 2 people in the room, you and a medical professional.
You tell them your medical concerns and history, they use this information to treat you.
Outside the room, you are free to share that same information with anyone you see. Friends, family, strangers on the street are all fair game. This is because it is YOUR information, and you control where it gets shared.
The medical professional does not share your information with other people. There are some exceptions, such as a more complex case where they share symptoms and expected diagnosis as a case presentation but remove identifying information to get some input on treatment options. You also may have signed a release that says they can talk with your partner, parent, or sibling about your condition. But, they are not to just casually discuss you and your case with anyone, especially in a way that links your diagnosis and identity.
You can say whatever you want about it to whoever you want. Doctor-Patient confidentiality is for the doctor, not for you. You could walk out into the waiting room and announce every detail of the appointment instantly, if you really wanted to.
Confidentiality is basically a “You can tell the doctor in private, and the doctor won’t tell other people”, to reduce embarrassment or the risk of the patient not telling the doctor about something embarrassing in case their friends and family find out
The doctor cannot generally talk to anyone other than
1. You, obviously
2. Possibly your parent/guardian if you are under 18 (depending on circumstances and location)
3. Someone you specifically nominate for this purpose (which you never have to do, but may choose to if convenient)
4. Someone appointed by the court as a power of attorney or similar (usually only if you are incapable of acting on your own behalf, eg severe mental disability or in a coma)
5. Other *relevant* medical professionals
Note that on that last point, they can’t just go home and talk to their wife just because they happen to be a doctor, or tell a random dentist they meet in the supermarket about you – they can only talk to medical professionals that they specifically need to talk to in order to facilitate your care. Eg they can refer you to a specialist and send them your notes, or talk to their nurse to tell the nurse what blood tests the nurse needs to take from you. Or if you go in for surgery the hospital can request your notes from your doctor. That kind of thing.
Yes for the most part doctors and other medical professionals are sworn to secrecy. There are severe penalties for breaking confidentiality. Usually all patient encounters are documented but those notes are secured and protected, and can’t be released unless the patient signs a release form or unless they’re subpoenaed by a court, and even then it can be a battle to get access to them.
Some exceptions exist, for example you’re legally required to report if you suspect child abuse.
You should get clarification from the Doctor. No other person can tell you how he’s interpreting his promise.
It’s not just doctors. Anyone in healthcare knows HIPAA is a very big deal. I work preauthorizations for a health insurance company and it’s integrated into everything we do.
Healthcare professionals would rather people get treated for their health problems, even if they’re embarrassing and personal. Let’s say, for example, Patrick Mahones had syphilis. He wouldn’t want anyone finding out so he’d keep that to himself and since it isn’t being treated, he’s spreading it to other people, making a bigger societal problem. But if he knows the doctor will keep his secret, he can go and get treated.
Do you mean HIPAA? This is for the doctor and staff and your personal medical information. No one can legally talk about your medial information without written consent from you. Such as calling a house phone you share with others and leaving a message. Or sending information via mail or email. Or sharing medical information with a spouse or other loved one. Here is more on the subject [https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html)
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