Right to confidential care

You have the right to private conversations with your healthcare provider about many sensitive topics

As you start to make your own healthcare appointments, keep in mind that you have a right to respectful and confidential health care. Confidential or confidentiality means everything you tell your healthcare provider should be kept private and your health records on those topics shouldn’t be shared with your parent or guardian. Confidentiality is a standard for all hospitals, clinics, and centers, and allows you to feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and experiences with your doctor.

How to talk to your provider about

Confidentiality

A private conversation can make you feel safe and able to speak to your provider openly. Asking upfront what will be kept confidential can put you at ease and help you feel empowered to talk to your provider about whatever is on your mind.

How to start the conversation

• It’s important to me that what we talk about today stays between us. Can you ensure that our appointment today will be confidential?
• It’s important to me that what we talk about today stays between us. Can we speak privately away from my parent/guardian/partner?