The ease of transmitting health information has served important societal goals. The broad collection and use of high quality data has helped consumers to make informed choices among health plans and health care providers. The sharing of data has improved the cost effectiveness of health services while providing more effective clinical care via health-care related research. However, it also may present new challenges for individual health care providers and their patients. In one instance, a terminally ill patient accompanied by her daughter to an appointment with her internist discovered a video camera hiding in the corner of the exam room.
Patients have a fundamental right to privacy in their relationship with health care providers.
Patient-provider relationships have long been governed by mutual respect and honesty. In fact, professional ethics mandate the protection of patient confidentiality. Without this privilege, the ability to collect accurate information from patients about their condition or lives would be lost. Patients who are less willing to divulge sensitive details to their clinician, risk a true diagnosis and successful treatment. Federal Remedies Proposed The stakes are extremely high.