Medical Confidentiality for Minors
Medical Confidentiality for Minors
Did you know that your child can ask his or her doctor to Under certain circumstances, a doctor may honor your child's request to keep the child's medical records confidential from you - even if your child is under 18 and you want to be kept informed. A pediatrician, a bioethicist, and a young woman who took advantage of that option discuss with host Dr. Winnie King the reasons behind such a request, and the guidelines for deciding when to honor it.
Guests:
- Nancy N. Dubler, LL.B: Professor of Bioethics, Montefiore Medical Center
- Jeffrey L. Brown, MD: Pediatrician, American Academy of Pediatrics
- Amy Laugelli: Sought confidential medical care as a teenager
Tips: Kids & Their Doctors: Supporting the Relationship
- Encourage your child to talk directly to the doctor. Even a 5-year old can say where it hurts.
- As puberty approaches, offer to remain in the waiting room for a portion of the visit.
- Let your teenagers know that it's okay to discuss things confidentially with the doctor.
- Maintain an open dialogue at home about health issues, including the sensitive ones.
