Did my doctor breach doctor-patient confidentiality?

Question

I have an undiagnosed stomach ailment which consists of frequent stomach cramps and diarrheah.
In my first session with a doctor he asked if I drink and I said I have about 2-3 beers a week. He asked if I get anxious speaking in front of people and I said 'who doesn't?' He then made a presumptious diagnosis of 'panic disorder' and alcohalism even though 2-3 beers a week is nothing. He prescribed anti-depressants which of course did nothing to help my stomach.
The next meeting I brought my father with me and the first thing the doctor asked was if I have the alcohal problem under control. Now my father thinks I have a drinking problem and my family gives this dubious look if I feel like having a beer.
I'm disgusted with this doc's incompotence and I want to know if him bringing that up is a breach of privacy. Isn't it like a woman telling a doctor in confidence that she is pregnant then the doctor asking the husband later, 'so did your wife tell you she was pregant yet?'

Wow, i've come acros this 'yahoo answers' thing from google searches before. This is the first time I tried it and didnt expect responses so quickly. That said I'd like to respond to a few people and make some clarifications.
No, I'm not a minor.
I didn't want to take my father. He wanted the doctor to explain my diagnosis and wanted to know what the meds do.

I guess my main question is: If I bring someone else into the appt, does that give the doctor the right to assume I'm ok with him talking openly about all the things we talked about in confidence?

Also ive been trying to set my family straight. It's impossible. They are brainwashed health nuts who buy into all the hype about vitamins and think they are morally superior to anyone who eats a hot dog on occasion. What would you do?

this is my second edit:

I partially agree with the person that said bringing my father into the room means the doc should be free to discuss anything. But what about the example I brought up of a pregnant wife who doesn't want her husband to know she's pregnant? Isn't the doctor supposed to use some discretion there? I can see where your coming from with the doctor putting health first but what about ethics?
I want to refine my question:
Does bringing someone into the office with you entitle the doctor to openly discuss all your personal matters? Where does the law stand on this? My supposed 'alcohal problem' has escalated to the point with my family where i'm considering cutting off contact. They take docs word as gospel despite anything I say and now I've become the . This docs POOR diagnosis has almost ruined my life. id type more but me 'me hating' dad just home

Answer 1

I work in a doctors office, and if someone accompanies you into the exam room, then it is assumed that you have chosen to include that person in any discussion of your health.

At an appointment, the doctor has to be free to discuss your symptoms and care. So if you bring someone in the exam room with you, then that family member now is present to hear anything the doctor has to say.

Your mistake was allowing your father into the exam room, and unfortunately that mistake can't be undone.

In this case the doctor didn't do anything wrong.

Answer 2

Wow. First of all, you should find a different doctor. This guy is a moron. I don't know why this doctor would jump to such conclusions unless you actually went to the appointment intoxicated or smelling of alcohol!! (Then maybe he would think you were lying??) Furthermore, many antidepressents shouldn't be taken with alcohol anyway.

But, to answer your question, if you brought your father into the appointment with you, then it is okay to assume that you don't mind if he hears what the doctor has to say. If you didn't want your father to know, then you should have left him in the waiting room. If he said that in the waiting room or before you were behind closed doors then, yes, it was a breach of confidentiality.

DEFINITELY find yourself another doctor and I don't think it would be unreasonable if you complained to this doctor about what he did. Even though it may not be a breach of confidentiality, he was obviously insensitive to the fact that your father was there. He could have asked how your stomach was feeling instead! Seriously, though, don't be afraid to question this doctor about why he assumed you have a panic disorder and alcoholism. That's rediculous!!

Answer 3

Get a different doctor. The one you have now has absolutely no business practicing!

Stage fright- that is, nervousness about talking in front of people- happens a lot. I myself get a world-class case of stage fright if I find I have to get up in front of a crowd. It doesn't mean a thing, unless it's something your living depends on. Then you can find courses in public speaking that can help.

And I know a number of people who have 2-3 beers a week- and are not alcoholics.

Another thing you might want to do is set your family straight. Your dad is listening to the wrong person here.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Well, why would you take your father with you if you didn't want him to know anything. I understand what you are saying but the Dr. assumes that if there is someone in the room with the patient that it is ok to further discuss medicine. I think the Dr was wrong in saying you have a alcohol problem and I would switch Drs immediately and tell him why. He'll probably go on to tell you your an alcoholic in denial, LOL!! 2-3 a week isn't an alcoholic.

Answer 5

Ok, this doctor sounds like a jerk. There are a lot of docs out there who are smart, went to med school--but, have absolutely no business being a doctor. Is he a Psychiatrist? (Only because some of these guys are crazy as a loon)

Yes he breached confidentiality. There was no reason for him to mention this to your father. Even if you were drinking 10 drinks a day..

My advise, go find yourself a new doctor. If you even reported this to the AMA (American Medical Association) they would do nothing.

Isn't amazing that a doc can make presumptions and assumptions without even knowing you?

Answer 6

Depending on your age. Most times, the parent is in the room if you are under age. I left my doctor because he was always talking about me to my mom. If you can find a doctor of your own. It is amazing how more forth coming you can be with a doctor who doesn't tell your parents everything!

Answer 7

Yes, it sounds to me like it is a breach of privacy. Everything you discuss with your doctor (even if it is as small as the color of your eyes) is confidential. It sucks that this has happened and your family thinks bad of you now but there is not much to improve the situation. Maybe you should tell your doctor that he is incompitent and you are disappointed that you trusted him. I guess that is all you can do. Good luck

Answer 8

NO he did not, especially if you are under 18, still live with your father, or are still under his insurance.

Answer 9

YES, CHANGE DOCTORS!!!!!!!!!!!!