Question

A confidential relationship between physician and patient is essential for the free flow of information necessary for sound medical care. Only in a setting of trust can a patient share the private feelings and personal history that enable the physician to comprehend fully, to diagnose logically, and to treat properly.

Under what circumstances can physicians break patient confidentiality? Research (HHS) - HIPAA for Individuals, AMA Confidentiality and other credible websites to learn more. Then, address and discuss the following.

1. Give an example of when a patient’s confidentiality may be disclosed and explain the exception to doctor-patient confidentiality.
2. Is there anything that would make a doctor break confidentiality for a patient's family member? What can a patient do if their physician or member of their staff breaks patient confidentiality? Explain.
3. Think about this part Hippocratic Oath: "what I may see or hear in the course of treatment or even outside of treatment in regard to the life of patients, which on no account must be spread abroad, I will keep to myself, holding such things as reprehensible to speak about." When doctors are required to disclose patient information, they are breaking their Hippocratic Oath. Explain how you feel about this and why.

Answer 1

Physicians can break patient confidentiality to protect public health and safety, such as when a patient has a communicable disease. A doctor may also disclose patient information for the well-being of a family member or in cases of legal obligations. Patients have options to address breaches of patient confidentiality, and while the Hippocratic Oath emphasizes confidentiality, there are situations that require disclosure.

Step-by-step explanation:

Physicians can break patient confidentiality under certain circumstances to protect public health and safety. One example is when a patient has a communicable disease, such as a sexually transmitted infection, and there is a risk of transmission to others. In such cases, the physician may be required to disclose the patient's diagnosis to sexual partners or other individuals who may be at risk.

Regarding a patient's family member, a doctor may break confidentiality if there is a legitimate need to protect the health and well-being of the family member. This can happen in situations where the family member may be at risk of harm or if there is a legal obligation to report certain conditions, such as child abuse.

If a physician or member of their staff breaks patient confidentiality, the patient has several options. They can report the breach to the appropriate medical board or regulatory agency, file a complaint with the healthcare provider's organization or institution, consult with a lawyer to explore legal recourse, or seek support from patient advocacy organizations.

While the Hippocratic Oath emphasizes the importance of patient confidentiality, there are situations where doctors are legally or ethically obligated to disclose patient information. In these cases, it can be seen as a necessary balancing act between respecting patient privacy and fulfilling broader obligations for public health and safety.