Doctor Patient Privilege Law

Doctor-patient privilege is a legal concept that refers to the protection of confidential communication between a doctor and their patient. This privilege aims to encourage open and honest communication between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that patients feel comfortable sharing sensitive information without fear that it will be disclosed to others.

Under this privilege, a patient’s confidential information cannot be divulged to others, including medical history, diagnoses, treatment plans, and personal details. A patient’s confidential information also includes information regarding sexually transmitted diseases, mental health conditions, and other sensitive topics.

What Are Some Examples of a Doctor-Patient Privilege?

1. A patient confides in their doctor that they are struggling with a drug addiction. The doctor cannot share this information with law enforcement or the patient’s family without the patient’s consent.
2. A patient tells their doctor about an abusive relationship. The doctor cannot disclose this information to the abuser or anyone else without the patient’s permission.
3. A patient discloses to their doctor that they have an STD. The doctor cannot share this information with the patient’s partner or other healthcare providers without the patient’s consent.
4. A patient shares with their doctor that they are experiencing severe anxiety and depression. The doctor cannot disclose this information to the patient’s employer or colleagues without the patient’s consent.
5. A patient discusses their struggles with infertility with their doctor. The doctor cannot reveal this information to the patient’s family or friends without the patient’s permission.
6. A patient undergoes a cosmetic procedure and confides in their doctor about their reasons for doing so. The doctor cannot share this information with the patient’s spouse or other medical professionals without the patient’s consent.
7. A patient reveals to their doctor that they have a genetic condition that may impact their future offspring. The doctor cannot disclose this information to the patient’s relatives or potential partners without the patient’s authorization.
8. A patient confides in their doctor about their struggles with an eating disorder. The doctor cannot share this information with the patient’s coach, teammates, or other healthcare providers without the patient’s consent.

What Is Generally Covered by the Privilege?

Doctor-patient privilege typically covers any information shared between a patient and their healthcare provider during the course of seeking or receiving medical care. Information shared between a doctor and patient can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Personal identification information;
• Medical history;
• Diagnoses;
• Treatment plans;
• Medications prescribed;
• Test results;
• Notes from therapy sessions;
• Conversations about personal, social, or family issues related to a patient’s health.

In some cases, a violation of doctor-patient privilege can result in criminal liability. However, this depends on the specific laws and regulations in a given jurisdiction.

In many cases, a breach of this privilege may lead to disciplinary action by medical boards, civil lawsuits, and damage to the healthcare provider’s professional reputation.

In certain circumstances, healthcare providers are legally obligated to break confidentiality, such as when reporting cases of child abuse, elder abuse, or if a patient poses an imminent threat to themselves or others.

Are There Any Exceptions to This Privilege?

Yes, there are exceptions to the doctor-patient privilege. These may vary depending on the jurisdiction, but some common doctor-patient privilege exceptions include the following:

1. Mandatory reporting: Healthcare providers are often required by law to report certain information to appropriate authorities, such as cases of child abuse, elder abuse, or infectious diseases that pose a public health risk.
2. Imminent harm: If a patient poses an immediate threat to themselves or others, the doctor may be legally obligated to disclose information to prevent harm.
3. Court orders and legal proceedings: In some cases, a doctor may be compelled to disclose patient information by a court order or during legal proceedings, such as in a malpractice lawsuit.
4. Third-party payers: When billing insurance companies or other third-party payers, healthcare providers may need to disclose relevant patient information to process claims or payments.

Is It a Violation of the Privilege if My Doctor Alludes to My Case Without Identifying Me?

If a doctor shares information about your case without revealing your identity, it might not be considered a direct violation of the doctor-patient privilege. However, if the information shared is specific enough that someone could reasonably deduce your identity, it could still be a breach of confidentiality.

In such cases, you may have grounds to take legal action or file a complaint with the medical board.

If you believe that your doctor has violated the doctor-patient privilege and you wish to take legal action or file a complaint with the medical board, you can follow these following steps:

1. Gather evidence: Document any conversations or incidents related to the breach of confidentiality. The breach of confidentiality may include written correspondence, emails, or other forms of communication in which the doctor shared your private information.
2. Research the medical board or regulatory body: Find the appropriate medical board or regulatory body in your jurisdiction that oversees healthcare providers. Their website should provide information on how to file a complaint and the documentation required.
3. Submit a formal complaint: Fill out the required forms or write a detailed letter explaining the breach of confidentiality and the impact it has had on your life. Include any supporting evidence and submit the complaint according to the board’s guidelines.
4. Consult an attorney: If you believe you have suffered harm or damages due to the breach of doctor-patient privilege, consult an attorney who handles medical malpractice or privacy law cases. They can provide you with guidance on whether you have a valid case and help you understand your rights.
5. File a lawsuit: If your attorney advises you to proceed with legal action, they will help you file a lawsuit against the healthcare provider for the breach of confidentiality. Assisting you in filing a lawsuit may involve gathering additional evidence, interviewing witnesses, and presenting your case in court.

Throughout the process, keep detailed records of all correspondence and interactions with the medical board, the healthcare provider, and any legal representatives. Keeping detailed records will help ensure you have a comprehensive history of events and can support your case if needed.

What Can I Do if My Doctor Violates the Doctor-Patient Privilege?

If you have suffered harm or damages as a result of the breach of confidentiality, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer who handles medical malpractice or privacy law can advise you on your rights and help you navigate the legal process.

LegalMatch is an online legal matching service that connects you with experienced and qualified lawyers in your area who handle medical malpractice or privacy law cases. You can submit your case details on their website, and their system will match you with lawyers who have the relevant experience and knowledge to handle your case.

The lawyers in LegalMatch’s network are pre-screened to ensure that they have the necessary credentials and qualifications. You can have confidence that you are being matched with a competent and reliable lawyer.

In addition to helping you find a lawyer, LegalMatch can also provide you with resources and information on various legal topics related to medical malpractice and privacy law, so you can make informed decisions about your case.

Use LegalMatch to help you find a lawyer who can assist you in seeking justice and compensation for any harm or damages you have suffered as a result of your doctor’s breach of confidentiality.