One Dozen Things
About the One Dozen Things | The Doctor-Patient Relationship | The Role of the Patient's Family | Confidentiality | The Health Care Team | America is a Litigious Society | Document, Document, Document! | Who Pays the Bills? | Gender Issues and Discrimination | Safety and Errors | Informed Consent | U.S. Graduate Medical Education | Above All, Professionalism
Confidentiality
Overview
Information regarding a patient’s identity, medical diagnoses, and treatment plans are considered confidential. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) describes precautions that regulate the sharing of a patient’s health care information. In addition to maintaining the confidentiality of written medical records, physicians should also be aware of the risks to confidentiality posed by public conversation. Patients and patient information should never be discussed in public areas such as hospital corridors, elevators, or dining areas.
