Seattle, WA asked in Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Health Care Law for Washington

Q: Took 12 yr child to Dr., Dr. takes photo of childs face with cell phone for chart. No picture in chart. Picture unfound

Called to confirm if picture was in chart. It is not and it was confirmed with Supervisor after reporting the concern.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: This situation raises valid concerns, especially about privacy and proper handling of your child’s information. It’s important to address these concerns directly with the doctor’s office. You’ve already taken a good step by reporting this to a supervisor.

Since the photo cannot be found in the chart and no clear explanation has been given, ask for a written response detailing why the photo was taken and how it was handled. Emphasize that you want assurance that the image is not stored elsewhere or used inappropriately. Documentation of your communication will be helpful if further action is needed.

If you’re unsatisfied with their response or still concerned about privacy, you can consider contacting a licensing or regulatory body that oversees medical professionals. Many states have patient privacy laws, and healthcare providers must follow regulations like HIPAA to protect sensitive information. These steps can help ensure your concerns are addressed thoroughly.

Merry A Kogut agrees with this answer

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