WBR1023

Author	[[PageAuthor::Vidit Bhargava, M.B.B.S [1] (Reviewed by Serge Korjian)]]
Exam Type	ExamType::USMLE Step 1
Main Category	MainCategory::Ethics
Sub Category
Prompt	[[Prompt::The patient has an absolute right to maintain all his medical information confidential. It’s a physician's duty to respect this privacy and to withhold share any private medical matters with anyone, including family members, close friends, or colleagues. Which of the following conditions does not uphold this principle?]]
Answer A	AnswerA::A physician withholds information from a spouse demanding to know more about her husband's diagnosis
Answer A Explanation	AnswerAExp::Unless the patient specifically permits sharing his medical information, it cannot be shared even with his wife.
Answer B	AnswerB::A physician withholds information from an employer calls to ask about the reason an employee has been absent
Answer B Explanation	AnswerBExp::The situation demands a valid written consent from patient, which must be calmly explained to the employer.
Answer C	AnswerC::A physician withholds information from a colleague that asks about his son who tested positive for syphilis
Answer C Explanation	AnswerCExp::Even sharing medical knowledge with a fellow physician is not permitted by privacy laws.
Answer D	AnswerD::A physician divulges information to state police officers who call about a man suspected of rape and murder.
Answer D Explanation	AnswerDExp::Police needs a valid warrant to be given any patient information.
Answer E	AnswerE::A physician divulges the diagnosis to the family of a patient with pertussis.
Answer E Explanation	[[AnswerEExp::Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can have severe consequences in patients of all ages. Individuals in close contact with patients diagnosed with pertussis require post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent transmission and symptomatic disease. Physicians are allowed to divulge specific medical information when withholding it may be a public threat.]]
Right Answer	RightAnswer::D
Explanation	[[Explanation::There are certain circumstances in which a physician can disclose patient information: When authorized by the patient. When police holds a warrant demanding information. When asked by a court of law. When withholding a disease may be a public threat. Educational Objective: References: Snyder L. American College of Physicians Ethics Manual: sixth edition. Ann Intern Med. 2012;156(1 Pt 2):73-104.]]
Approved	Approved::Yes
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