Melissa Weddle, MD, MPH and Patricia K. Kokotailo, MD, MPH
Physicians should honor confidentiality whenever possible when screening and treating adolescents for sensitive health conditions such as substance abuse.
Physicians should understand the limits of patient confidentiality and the importance of taking a thorough sexual history in the diagnosis and management of a patient with an STD.
A physician must honor a patient's request to keep the information about her desire to have a tubal ligation from her husband, but the physician and patient should discuss the possible ramifications of concealing the procedure.
A physician must honor a patient's request to keep the information about her desire to have a tubal ligation from her husband, but the physician and patient should discuss the possible ramifications of concealing the procedure.
Defense of the argument that psychiatrists have a responsibility to warn the proper authorities if there is reasonable concern that a patient poses a threat to the safety of others.