Confidentiality Exceptions in Healthcare

Patient Rights

• Patients have the right to refuse participation in medical research and experimentation, and must give written informed consent before participating.
• Patients have the right to correspond and receive visitors, subject to reasonable limits prescribed by the healthcare institution.
• Patients have the right to express complaints and grievances about care and services received without fear of discrimination or reprisal.

Rights of Healthcare Professionals (Physicians)

• Physicians have the right to practice their medical profession and refer patients as they see fit, except in emergency cases.
• Physicians have the right to accept or refuse patients, except in emergency cases.
• Physicians have the right to therapeutic privileges according to their acquired training and accreditation by their workplace.
• Physicians have the right to conduct clinical and scientific research, with prior informed consent of subjects.
• Physicians have the right to practice their profession according to their religious and moral beliefs.
• Physicians have the right to refuse medical treatment or procedures that contradict their religious beliefs, subject to certain limitations.
• Physicians have the right to access and view patient medical records, except for psychiatric notes and incriminatory information.

Additional Patient Rights

• Patients have the right to leave a hospital or healthcare institution, regardless of their physical condition, as long as they are informed of the medical consequences of their decision and release caregivers from obligation.
• Patients have the right to access their medical records, including a summary of their medical history and condition.
• Patients have the right to a medical certificate and other documents needed for insurance claims within 45 days of request.

Confidentiality and Disclosure

• Patient information can be disclosed in certain circumstances, including when it benefits public health and safety, when it is in the interest of justice and upon court order, when the patient waives confidentiality, and when it is needed for continued medical treatment or advancement of medical science.

Right to Information

• Patients have the right to information about their disease, including the nature and extent of their condition, proposed medical treatment, potential complications, and other pertinent facts.
• Patients have the right to know about any changes in their plan of care and necessary changes before implementation.
• Patients have the right to know about payment expectations from PhilHealth or other payors, and any charges they may be liable for.
• Patients have the right to know about the disciplines of healthcare practitioners who will provide care and the frequency of services proposed.
• Patients have the right to examine and receive an itemized bill of hospital and medical services.
• Patients have the right to know about continuing healthcare requirements following discharge and a brief written summary of the course of their illness.