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Psychiatrist and psychologist confidentiality

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Posted 5/2/2018 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
So had an appt today with a CBT psychologist that my psychiatrist recommended and it's in the same building.

I was shocked that the psychologist had full access to all my psychiatrist's notes. I feel like that's not right b/c i didnt give permission. Asking me to elaborate on events I talked to my psychatrist about. Im like how did she know this and shes like yeah I read that in the notes...like maybe I didnt want to talk about it right away. Maybe I wanted to share my more personal issues like the 2nd or 3rd appt where we know each other more!?

Also now I'm worried about the things i tell the psychologist, the psychatrist will find out. Will this happen? Is this legal?

Any experiences??
Posted 5/2/2018 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
I believe this was a breech of patient-doctor confidentiality.

It does not matter that it is someone your psychiatrist recommended and that they are in the same building. You are the patient of your psychiatrist. If your psychiatrist suggested you also see this CBT psychologist, that is fine and dandy, however, the psychologist should have given you a release authorization allowing you to sign your permission for the psychiatrist to give all of your records over to them.

If this was not done and your chart was just "passed off" to the other doctor, this is a violation of confidentiality.
Posted 5/2/2018 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
its part of Obama care -like it or not. they have to share all medical records now. I thought it was just medication records and such. I would be mad also if your note from a phyc session were all public record also
Posted 5/3/2018 2:49 AM (GMT 0)

Anxious Scientist said...
I believe this was a breech of patient-doctor confidentiality.

It does not matter that it is someone your psychiatrist recommended and that they are in the same building. You are the patient of your psychiatrist. If your psychiatrist suggested you also see this CBT psychologist, that is fine and dandy, however, the psychologist should have given you a release authorization allowing you to sign your permission for the psychiatrist to give all of your records over to them.

If this was not done and your chart was just "passed off" to the other doctor, this is a violation of confidentiality.

Excatly! I never signed anything!!! I called the office to make an appt with the CBT was not expecting this to happen. She literally had every note he had written. And I was getting annoyed bc she kept bringing up stuff from the notes that I didnt want to talk about yet. Or when I said something she was like yeah I read that and blah blah.

I feel violated. This is my life. What I say should stay with my doctor only ( as long as I'm not a harm to myself or others or involved in a lawsuit- all of which im not).

Aren't patients supposed to trust their doctors, how am I gonna trust my psychologist now. Who is she gonna tell my info to.
Posted 5/3/2018 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
NAT,

I don't know the in's and out's of what doctors can share with their colleagues...

I mean I know they can't talk about cases with others in general, but other professionals? I am not sure on that one...

...but I certainly understand how you feel...and think that you should have a conversation with your P-doc about it and find out, and set some boundaries.

I am sorry this happened, and hope you can get things resolved to your satisfaction asap!

S.C.
Posted 5/3/2018 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
Had psychiatrist appt today. First thing he says is let me read the cbt notes. Im like wow. I tell him about how i feel about that and what happened and he explains that they work together and stuff. Whatever feels wierd not used to that, dont really like it.
Posted 5/3/2018 4:47 PM (GMT 0)
Well, you are in charge of your care...policy or not...if YOU don't want your notes shared, then speak up and say so.

I am sure that they are of the mind that if they both are on the same page, then they can work together on treatments...ect...

BUT the bottom line is, YOU must feel comfortable with both of them and during your sessions/appointments, so you are the boss and what you say goes.

Take the wheel on this one, they should respect the boundaries you set...if not, it's time to go P-doc shopping! smile

Peace and progress!

S.C.
Posted 5/3/2018 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
^^^What SC said above! Speak up and if they cannot correct their actions, then time to get a new doc.

I had no idea that "sharing" medical records was apart of Obamacare?
I still have to sign authorization of release forms if I need to transfer information between two different practitioners. I just can't see that as ever being ok; It goes against the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 (Public Law 104-191).
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/laws-regulations/index.html
Posted 5/3/2018 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
I think it's intended for persons who might have an accident somewhere. Say they are unconscience and whomever is with them has no real knowledge of the meds and diseases, surgery's etc. Your records can be gotten to better help you. At least that's the way I understand it.

Although I don't know you or your Dr. there is usually a from from a first visit that says they can share with other Dr. It's in the HIPPA stuff. I will say I objected and she said it was only stuff like meds., soooo.

I do know that when I had a med appt. scheduled she had all my info as well. I suspect they share more if it's a group thing. In this case it was probably for the best because the Med lady wouldn't know what to prescribe or change.
Posted 5/3/2018 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah guys I really didn't speak up for myself sad . I kind of gave an accepting blank stare.

I really like my psychatrist. I just sometimes when I get really shocked I kind of freeze and cant say what i want to.
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