Did my specialist over step the mark?

[ICanDream]

I need your opinions please as I'm really ticked off and annoyed and need to get some perspective.

My GP referred me to a new Rheumatologist, one that was supposed to have a special interest in my condition and either part of a clinic or could refer me to a clinic that specialised in my condition. When I got there he wasn't either of those things and basically questioned why I had been sent to him - he knew about my condition but was neither of the above.

So I continued with my appointment anyway as I decided it wouldn't hurt to have a second opinion (I have my other Rheume too) and during the course of my appointment he asked me the names of my other specialists (I have a few conditions). No worries I answered these questions.

The upshot of my appointment was to try some medications but as I was finally become medication free for the first time in a year I wanted to hold off and see how I went off all drugs. As such I cancelled my appointment as it was a follow up to see how I was going on the treatment - it was not a big issue that I didn't try the drugs, they have been discussed on and off for a few years now.

Anyway sorry, I get a letter from this Rheumatologist that is cc'd to my GP and he has taken all the names of my specialists and sent them all copies of the letter saying that I had cancelled my appointment. He has never got in contact with me to find out my reasons, just took it upon himself to notify everyone.

Now I can understand if he chose to write to my GP who referred me but has he overstepped the mark of confidentiality by informing all my other doctors (including my current Rheumatologist so he now knows that I went for a second opinion!) - names he only got during my patient/doctor appointment?

I feel so annoyed that he's treated me like a naughty school girl and "dobbed" on me for not attending my appointment!! Thanks for getting this far!!

[SpecialPatrolGroup]

That would not sit right with me either, especially as he was not particularly well versed in your condition. I don't know whether it is a breech of any condentiality, but it seems as though he was asserting his position in the Dr club or something like that!

[pumpernickel]

Did you sign a form before your appointment stating he could share information with your other caregivers? It's a standard clause in the form that most people don't read.

If you didn't sign anything, I'd be taking it further.

[Lateralus]

Did you sign anything at the appointment consenting to him contacting your other specialists? If not, then I'd think it's a serious breach in confidentiality, not to mention petty & childish.

[ElizaDoLittle]

Yuck! I would be ticked too, very! But I'd the form had a box then ita within his rights although perhaps not the best idea in this instance.

[ICanDream]

I filled out a new patient questionnaire and I don't recall it saying anything about that, it was just information rather than any consent from memory, I don't even recall having to sign, just fill in name, address, health information etc - can I ring and ask them or go back in and ask to see the form?

[weirdali]

Thats wrong i would call them to see about the form. My specialists dont write to eachother even when i needed them to!

[ICanDream]

Do you think they will tell me if I ring and ask? It's been four days and I'm still fuming!

[Piffle]

Medico legally they HAVE to do this if you don't attend follow-up appointments. It's part of their defense if you come back and sue them for negligence or something. sort of putting the onus on you as the one who cancelled the appointment rather than them for "failing to follow you up".

[Piffle]

P.S. Also, I'm assuming that the letter also had info about your current medical situation (the drugs u decided not to take etc) in which case it's considered good practice to inform other caregivers. So it may be hard to get legal ground to support your complaint.