Confidentiality

In my question I asked last week (under ethics)I was really wanting to know if it is more than likely that my doctor would tell me the truth if someone had called him regarding me.  You didn't really answer that directly.  I will explain just a little bit more.

I was diagnosed as bipolar after years of major depression with psychotic features.  My doctor offered me medication but I didn't believe I was bipolar and did not take him up on it.  After a while I asked my pharmacist questions about lithium.  Actually, I was asking her if it could be lethal.  She kept telling me one would get very ill, but I kept pressing her to see if it would be lethal.  I thought I was being discreet but I could tell she was hesitant to tell me and never did give me that answer.  She knew who my doctor was.

I decided I would take my doctor up on the offer for medication and he then told me that they had too many side effects and did not give it to me. I was manic for months!  I am thinking my pharmacist called him and that that is why he is not offering the medication to me now.

Now I have two questions if you would please answer them for me.  Is it more than likely that my doctor would tell me the truth if I asked him if someone called him regarding me?  Would a pharmacist ever call a doctor in that situation?

Thank you.

[HFHS MD - RG]

A psychiatrist should truthfully answer your questions, whether it is about contact by a third party or about treatment decsions. I encourage you to discuss these concerns with your psychiatrist.  It is imperative that you also discuss your suicidal feelings, even if these feelings have now lessened.
Any one, including a pharmacist may contact a treating physician.  Health care providers should always do so if the question of suicide or homicide arises.  In these cases, your psychiatrist could listen to any parties concerns, but could not legally divulge any information about you without your written consent.
I hope this information helps.

[PamD]

I don't know if a pharmacist would call him in that situation or not.

Why don't you just explain the situation to your doctor just like you did here, and give him a chance?