Medical information about a patient is a medical secret protected by law. It includes not only data on the diagnosis and examination results, but also all circumstances that became known to medical professionals during treatment - including intimate details and facts from personal life.
Your rights as a patient
Everyone has the right to complete confidentiality regarding their health, medical care requests and results. Medical personnel who have access to this data may not disclose it to third parties without due cause.
Who can access medical information?
Medical confidentiality may be disclosed in limited cases:
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As a patient, you have the right to know your diagnosis, see the results of your examinations, and see your medical documentation.
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Parents, guardians or custodians - if it concerns a child or a person recognized as incapacitated.
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To family members after the patient's death - at their request or on behalf of the deceased.
When can medical confidentiality be disclosed?
Disclosure of medical information is possible only in cases clearly defined by law:
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With the patient's written consent.
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At the request of the inquiry, investigation, prosecutor's office or court - provided that there is a corresponding official request.
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In case of a threat to the life and health of the patient or other persons - for example, when diagnosing a dangerous infectious disease.
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If other doctors are involved in the treatment and need this information to provide care.
Special procedure - psychiatric care
Information about mental health is also subject to medical confidentiality, but may be disclosed without the patient's consent in exceptional situations:
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To organize the treatment of people with severe mental disorders.
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During a pre-trial investigation or trial - if a written request is received from investigators, a prosecutor, a court, or a probation agency.
