How doctor-patient confidentiality can cause a malpractice suit

When you go to meet with your doctor and discuss the conditions that may or may not be affecting you, you do so with confidence and calm. Why is that? Well, you know that your doctor is duty-bound to protect your medical information and secrets and you also know that the medical facilities you go to are expected to uphold that same secrecy. Could you imagine a medical system without such an understanding? It would be a nightmare. No one would trust their doctors out of fear of having their personal medical conditions told to other people, leaving them embarrassed.

This is why doctor-patient confidentiality exists. It is an incredibly important part of the medical industry and the inherent process of seeking treatment. It is also something that can play a role in medical malpractice lawsuits, of which many people may be unaware.

Given the importance of this clause, what does the doctor-patient confidentiality cover? What you say to your doctor and any recommendations or opinions your doctor expresses are covered by the confidentiality clause. Medical records and communication between the patient and the doctor are also covered by the confidentiality clause. It should also be noted that this confidentiality clause persists even if you move to a different doctor. It confidentiality clause even persists through death.

If it is discovered that your doctor or medical provider violated the doctor-patient confidentiality clause, then you should have your case reviewed by an experienced medical malpractice lawyer.

Source: FindLaw, "Breaches of Doctor-Patient Confidentiality," Accessed Nov. 21, 2016