I treat patients in the emergency room, and it is very difficult to maintain patient privacy in that setting. What do I need to know about privacy in emergency situations?
As always, the most important concern in an emergency situation is treating the patient in a timely and appropriate manner. Although it can be challenging due to the pace and set-up of the typical emergency room, some basic privacy rules should be followed, such as speaking in low voices whenever possible. In addition, see questions below about incidental disclosures.
Related Questions
- I treat patients in the emergency room, and it is very difficult to maintain patient privacy in that setting. What do I need to know about privacy in emergency situations?
- Under HIPAA privacy rules, may an emergency room doctor discuss a patient’s treatment in front of the patient’s friend?
- Is it necessary to send patients with abdominal pain to an acute-care facility or emergency room?
