ED's and doctor-patient confidentiality

[peasoncarrots]

Hi, I was thinking about telling my doctor about my eating disorder, but I was wondering if he/she would be required to tell my parents. I am 17, so underage, but would I still be protected by doctor-patient confidentiality laws?

[zoebird]

i'm not certain. it depends upon the state.

if a doctor is going to give treatment, usually they need parental consent (particularly depending upon the level of the treatment). For example, if you needed major surgery, they would have to sign the paperwork (releases etc). So, that may be an issue.

In some states, only certain things are protected for minors. Your best bet would be to talk to your doctor about what is protected in your state and what likely isn't. YOu can ask things such as: are pregnancies and abortions confidential? what about psychological or behavoiral care for addictions? what about for gall bladder surgeries?

the doctor can answer your questions better, or a lawyer can.

[rabid_child]

I think a time at which your confidentiality may be broken is if you're a threat to yourself or another person, and eating disorders may be considered a threat to yourself since you can kill yourself by having an eating disorder. But would it really be such a bad thing to get help?

[Thalia]

I think substance use and sexuality issues are generally required to be confidential. HIPAA gives some protection for privacy and mental health issues. I would ask the doctor and remind them that an eating disorder is a mental illness in the DSM-IV and is most likely covered by HIPAA Plus, if there is billing to the insurance company for something specific that would give it away, ask about that, too.

http://www.acluohio.org/publications/teen_guide_2002.pdf is a publication on the rights of teens in ohio published by the aclu of ohio. Check your state's aclu or call them.

Also-
In most states (if any), eating disorders do not count as a threat to self or others.

[zoebird]

i talked to a doctor here in PA. She said thatunless the minor is emancipated, doctor-patient priv. with minors only deals with birth control and abortion issues. eating disorders or other emotional/psychological disorders or addictions are all not protected. any treatment (other than abortion/birth control) has to be approved by the parents.

we live in PA.

[bethann]

The other issue to be considered is your parent's insurance company (assuming you're still covered through them). I don't know if they will protect your privacy at all, or if they're required to.

Good for you, by the way, for considering telling your doctor about your eating disorder. I wish I'd done that at your age, instead of struggling on my own.

[Thalia]

In ohio, a teen is allowed a certain number of psychological sessions before parents can be told. See if your state has something similar. It might bridge the gap between now and 18.