Can doctors deliver bad news over the phone?
Asked by: Trever Rogahn | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (62 votes)
Do doctors give bad news over the phone?
Disclosing bad news by phone has become more common since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this meta-analysis of 11 studies (including 4 randomized trials), researchers assessed differences in patients' psychological distress due to disclosure of bad news by phone or in person.
Are doctors allowed to give results over the phone?
While healthcare providers can deliver results by phone, they have to verify it's you to ensure that they're not violating HIPAA privacy laws. They can also leave a voicemail message requesting you return the call.
Would a doctor tell you that you have cancer over the phone?
Of the 437 patients who completed the survey, 54% were told their diagnosis in-person in the physician's office, 18% by phone, and 28% in the hospital.
Can doctors give medical information over the phone?
Provider may disclose relevant information if, based on professional judgment, the disclosure is in the patient's best interest. Disclosure may be made in person, over the phone, or in writing.
Difficult Conversations & Breaking Bad News Over The Phone By Dr Anna Collini
Can doctors give medical advice over the phone?
"I understand that you are concerned. However, it is not safe nor is it in your best interest to be given medical advice over the phone.
What health information can be released over the phone?
- Appointments and reminders.
- Hospital pre-registration instructions.
- Health checkups.
- The provision of medical treatment.
- Lab test results.
- Notifications about prescriptions.
- Pre-operative instructions.
- Post-discharge follow-up calls.
Will doctors call if your results are bad?
Doctors must “sign off” on receiving the tests, and then inform patients of the results. The patients are contacted regardless of whether the test results are normal or abnormal. The consultation with the patient is recorded by the hospital or health care facility.
Will doctors tell you if they suspect cancer?
However, despite their invaluable role in cancer detection, general practitioners typically don't offer official cancer diagnoses. Instead, if cancer is suspected, your PCP will send you to a cancer specialist for more advanced care. This written order to receive care from an oncologist is called a referral.
What is it called when you see a doctor over the phone?
Telehealth and telemedicine are two different types of online health care services. Telemedicine refers specifically to online doctor visits, while telehealth also includes health-related education services like diabetes management or nutrition courses and health-related training.
Why won't my doctor give me results over the phone?
This risks miscommunication as well as a breach of confidentiality if the wrong person picks up the phone or hears the message. Doctors communicate their diagnoses in person to avoid the emotional (and legal) cost of unreliable communication methods.
Are serious test results released on MyChart before the doctor discusses them?
Test results in MyChart
These time frames allow your care provider to review results before they're posted. Because we release most results to you immediately, you may see them before your health care provider does. Please give us three business days to review results and let you know our thoughts.
Can a doctor diagnose you over the phone?
We're proud to report that telemedicine appointments are very effective. In fact, research shows that virtual and in-person diagnoses match up almost 90% of the time. Our providers have years of experience identifying a wide range of health problems and have the expertise to reach an accurate diagnosis even from afar.
How do doctors tell you bad news?
Ask “What is your understanding of your condition?” This helps you determine a starting point for the conversation by building on what the patient already knows. 2. Give a “warning shot.” Prepare the patient and family for the news by saying, “I'm sorry. I have bad news.” Wait for them to give you their full attention.
Do doctors give negative biopsy results over the phone?
More than half of the study participants said they would make the same choice whether the biopsy was positive or negative for cancer. Doctors also said phone calls work best, though they were less likely to make the call themselves for a negative result.
Will doctors prescribe over the phone?
Telephoned prescriptions may only be given or accepted in approved areas, in defined circumstances. Current practice and circumstances in some clinical settings mean that telephoned prescriptions need to be used or there would be a detrimental effect on patient care.
Do doctors tell you if you have cancer over the phone?
Researchers surveyed nearly 2,900 breast cancer patients who were diagnosed between 1967 and 2017. The research revealed prior to 2007, about 25 percent of patients learned of their diagnosis over the telephone. After 2007, that number increased to more than 50 percent. Since 2015, that number has grown to 60 percent.
What is the hardest cancer to detect?
Making diagnosis even more difficult is the fact that in its early stages, pancreatic cancer is usually a so-called “silent” disease and causes no symptoms. It's only when the cancer has reached an advanced stage and begun to spread throughout the body that physical effects appear.
What is the 2 week rule for cancer?
The two week appointment system was introduced so that any patient with symptoms that might indicate cancer, or a serious condition such as cancer, could be seen by a specialist as quickly as possible.
Do doctors call you in for good news?
“Doctors don't usually call late with good news.” I wish it equally struck me, her surprise. But I know firsthand such things are not commonplace.
Do doctors call right away with bad MRI results?
If you get MRI results that are bad or serious, your doctor will likely contact you right away. Their priority is your wellbeing and safety and they want to get you the care you need as fast as possible. If your results are not serious, they will be ready within 1-2 weeks.
How long should it take for a doctor to call with test results?
How fast is it really? Many test results are available within 24 hours, and some are even available within several hours. A small number of test results may not be available for a few days. Your health care team is eager to provide test results to you as soon as they are available.
Can doctors talk to other doctors about you?
Doctors can share patient information with other doctors provided the disclosure complies with the HIPAA Privacy Rule – and a Business Associate Agreement is entered into when required – and provided the patient information is not restricted by the patient or subject to HIPAA's authorization requirements.
Can hospitals give out patient information over the phone?
The Variety of HIPAA Phone Call Rules
For example, sharing patient information over the phone with family is permitted when a healthcare provider believes it is in the patient´s best interests – unless the patient has stated they want the information withheld.
What information can be taken from a phone?
Your cell phone holds some of your most sensitive personal information. Things like your passwords and account numbers, emails, text messages, photos, and videos. If your phone ends up in the wrong hands, someone could steal your identity, buy stuff with your money, or hack into your email or social media accounts.