Can my doctor see if I went to another doctor?

Asked by: Prof. Misael Emmerich Jr.  |  Last update: July 12, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (12 votes)

If I go see a doctor, can that doctor see my medical records from another doctor? It depends. If the new doctor is not part of the network of you previous physician, you must send record or give the new doctor access. If the matter concerns certain classes of medication, there is a database.

Can doctors see if you have been to other doctors?

Your health care providers can see and share your records with anyone who has your permission.

Can you go to two different doctors at the same time?

Consulting both of your doctors can provide a wider range of knowledge and experience, which can result in more comprehensive healthcare. Plus, many individuals simply value having a second opinion, and the dual PCP setup allows you to always get one!

Do doctors report other doctors?

The obligation to report incompetent or unethical conduct that may put patients at risk is recognized in both the ethical standards of the profession and in law and physicians should be able to report such conduct without fear or loss of favor.

Can doctors share information with each other?

Generally, doctor to doctor sharing of protected health information (PHI) is permitted under the HIPAA regulations.

When Another Doctor Consults You?!

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Do doctors communicate with other doctors?

Poor communication between primary and specialty care has been an ongoing problem. According to a 2022 study, physicians “do not consistently communicate with each other about the patients they share

What patient information cannot be shared?

Protected health information (PHI) cannot be shared under HIPAA. So what exactly is considered PHI according to HIPAA? It's information that can identify a particular patient, including health records, lab reports, bills, or even verbal conversations.

Is everything I tell my doctor confidential?

Your doctor will keep the details of what you talk about private, or confidential. The only time your doctor cannot honor your privacy is when they believe there is an immediate threat to your safety or someone else's.

Can a doctor request medical records from another doctor?

Because the designated record set may contain information from other providers, and because requests for the provider's records are asking for his or her designated record set, providing records from other providers does not constitute a HIPAA violation or breach.

Is it OK to see another doctor?

No doctor should be upset if a patient asks for a second opinion,” says Loyola neurologist Jose Biller, MD. “A good and experienced healthcare professional should be comfortable in encouraging patients to consult with other specialists whenever appropriate.”

Can you see another doctor in the same practice?

The answer is yes, it's possible to switch doctors within the same practice. But you may not be able to do that in every circumstance.

Can I have two primary doctors?

Having two primary care doctors can be beneficial for various reasons: For individuals managing multiple chronic health conditions, one primary care physician may focus on cardiology while another addresses diabetes management, ensuring comprehensive care.

Is it OK to see more than one doctor?

You are unlikely to face prosecution for seeing more than one doctor for legitimate reasons. Indeed, it is both common and acceptable for individuals to want second or even third opinions. If you are trying to secure prescriptions for controlled substances, though, you might be in legal jeopardy.

Is it illegal to delete medical records?

Healthcare providers must retain medical records by law, but they don't have to keep them forever. Before requesting old medical records, call the healthcare facility to find out about their medical record retention policy.

Can other doctors see MyChart?

A share code you generate in MyChart will give someone temporary access to your medical record in any web browser. This person might be a doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, dentist, or school nurse, for example.

Are doctors allowed to record you?

In summary, although doctors may have legal permission to record conversations without patient consent in certain states, they must exercise extra caution in adhering to ethical guidelines and federal laws like HIPAA. These guidelines and laws prioritize protecting patient privacy and confidentiality.

Can doctors see your prescription history?

Most times yes. There are instances where a patient's medical records may not be accessible without an additional signed consent from the patient. Again though, yes, clinicians can see what has been prescribed for patients.

Can I sue my doctor for not releasing my medical records?

If you believe that your doctor or other health care provider violated your health information privacy right by not giving you access to your medical record, you may file a HIPAA Privacy Rule Complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights.

Can I see my medical records online?

Online Access to Your Health Information

Check with your health care providers or doctors to see if they offer online access to your medical records. Terms sometimes used to describe electronic access to these data include “personal health record,” or “PHR,” or “patient portal.”

Do doctors share info?

Verbal permission from individuals is preferred, but providers can share information without it if they believe, in their professional judgment, that it is in the patient's best interest.

Can doctors tell your parents if you vape under 18?

The only times when your doctor cannot honor your privacy is when someone is hurting you or you are going to hurt yourself or someone else. There are state laws that require doctors to share information when there is a concern about someone possibly getting hurt.

How long does doctor confidentiality last?

A doctor's duty of confidentiality begins as soon as you and your doctor establish a professional relationship. The doctor is under a continuing duty of doctor-patient confidentiality. If you no longer see the doctor, the doctor must still keep your information private.

Can doctors see other doctors' notes?

Generally, doctors can share patient information with other doctors for treatment purposes.

Can doctors talk to other doctors about you?

Under HIPAA, doctors can share patient information and records as necessary. This includes general health and medical treatment. For example, say a primary care physician refers their patient for an x-ray in the same practice. The radiologist does not need consent to review the patient's records.

What are the two conditions that allow patient information to be disclosed?

Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, a covered entity must disclose protected health information in only two situations: (a) to individuals (or their personal representatives) specifically when they request access to, or an accounting of disclosures of, their protected health information; and (b) to the Department of Health ...