What constitutes information given to medical personnel that cannot be disclosed without consent?

Privileged communication refers to a specific type of information shared between a patient and a healthcare provider that is protected by law from being disclosed without the patient's consent. This legal concept is designed to encourage patients to speak openly with their medical providers, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and secure. Examples of privileged communication include discussions about diagnoses, treatment options, and personal health details exchanged during visits.

Confidential information, while related, encompasses a broader category that includes all sensitive information a patient shares with their healthcare team. However, not all confidential information falls under the same legal protections as privileged communication. Informed consent is the process through which a patient agrees to a medical procedure after being fully informed of the risks and benefits, but it does not inherently pertain to the disclosure of information. Patient history comprises the medical background provided by the patient, which can include privileged information, but not all patient history is protected under the same legal framework as privileged communication.