Confidentiality

Abstract

Confidentiality is a serious consideration in the identification and management of patients with unhealthy alcohol use in primary care. Clinicians need to be aware of Federal and other regulations that are relevant. They should also be aware of the risk of stigma and discrimination their patients face. Nonetheless, clinicians caring for such patients should document encounters accurately and use common sense in collecting sensitive information and in sharing it with other clinicians, within the bounds of applicable regulations. Some regulations may not be crystal clear, and as with many practices in medicine, protection and use of information will need to be based on sound judgment.