Posted by rainbowbrite on May 11, 2005, at 11:00:38 [reposted on May 12, 2005, at 23:11:48 | original URL]
In reply to Doctor/Patient Confidentiality, posted by JackD on May 11, 2005, at 8:48:16
> A third party (undisclosed to me, though I know it is a friend of mine) called my doctor and intentionally misinformed him that I abuse illicity substances. Now he refuses to prescribe me my medications, accuses me of abusing my antidepressants, hangs up the phone on me, and is requesting mandatory urine screenings. If anyone could help me fight this somehow (I am of course DRUG-FREE), or know the general legality of my doctor behaving in such a drastic and unprofessional manner based on one random phone call from someone he doesn't even know (not a family member), I'd greatly appreciate it.
That is so out of line of your friend! How do you know? did your doc say that he got a call? Has he cut you off cold turkey? is this a pdoc?
I think if I were you I would go to another doctor who knows you and and explain the situation. you need to be prepared to back up any accusations that were made and have a good reason... I would think to anything that this friend has made up or said.
Another suggestion would be to discuss it with the suspected source...even if they are denying it, I would explain to them what a negative effect this is having on you.
What an awful situation to be in.About confidentiality, from my expreience of often having to call someones pdoc (its justified)..they will take what the person tells them and I think they are actually allowed to take the call and hear what the person has to say but they are in NO way allowed to say anything back to them that may breach the patients confidentiality. But each doc is differnet and I would guess they do with the info what they see fit. I have had it completely ignored and had it welcomed.
But from what you have described I unfortuanately dont think there was any confidentiality broken...I am not positive about this though. Only if the doctor reached out and it was done in a non emergency situation would the confidentiality be an issue (from my experience) and if the doc did not inform you of the phone call.
Sorry if I am goiing in circles. I think your best bet would be to get to another doctor. It is unprofessional for a doc to hang up on a patient (unless they are harrassing or something) or to refuse the necessary drugs.
There is nothing worse than being accused of something that is completely false.the other thing would be to just tell your doc how you feel, Im assuming betrayed etc and then say you will do the drug screens but have lost all faith in him/her. Let them know and prove them wrong...that is always a good feeling.
i hope it gets worked out.
Good luck
rain
poster:rainbowbrite
thread:497134
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050504/msgs/497135.html