Psycho-Babble Psychology Thread 333780

Shown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

terminating psychiatrist

Posted by starlight on April 7, 2004, at 16:25:21

I'm devastated. I read through my medical records to find out about a recent surgical procedure that I had, and came across my mental health file.

When I first started with my Pdoc, I wanted to be totally honest with him about my habits. I asked him to keep my herbal smoking habit completely out of my file. I told him that if he wanted to keep it in a shadow file, that was fine, but that I wanted to keep it out of my main medical records. So imagine my surprise when I read through and found his comments on it from every visit. Right down to his comments about how he thought there was no hope of me ever quitting.

He described me as being garish, sexually flirtatious and even mentioned that at one visit I had dyed my hair darker and commented on my makeup. First, I hardly wear much makeup at all - a touch of eyeshadow - sometimes, eyebrow pencil, mascara and lipstick. I'm young - 35, tall and thin and in the summer, it's hot, so I've worn some cute sundress type of dresses, but never without a lightweight cotton sweater, and never above the knee.

The way I dress is actually very conservative and I'm blown away by his comments. I work in a professional office with a male boss and am cautious to not come across in a sexual manner. I am totally devastated by the fact that his comments and session records are included in my main record - and he speaks of things that he has assured me that he wouldn't. He assured me time and time again, that I could trust him. And I see that I can't and am totally hurt.

Then he went on to say, in one of the records that I was also narcissistic and histrionic - I believe as co-morbid features.

I'm a talented and hardworking musician, yoga enthusiast and I have a vibrant personality, but I'm well aware of boundaries and care about and respect others completely. I sure as heck don't see myself as any more important than anyone else on this earth. I told my friend that I work with about this and she too was shocked. She couldn't believe his descriptions of me. Garish.... How is that possible? I can't either. I'm so disappointed, but it's out there now - in the main file and what can I do about it? Nothing right? I wanted to rip those pages right out of my record. What about insurance companies, do they have a right to see his notes if they're a part of my record?

I'd love to tell him that I read my record, but also feel the need to cover my butt about my smoking habit so he'll write a note in there saying I quit. I can get my primary care physician to manage my medications, I think. I'd like go back one very last time and tell him that I'm aware of the records and feel as if he's completely betrayed me and lied to me by saying I could trust him - and that he's fired.
starlight

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist - Please Read!

Posted by starlight on April 7, 2004, at 16:52:21

In reply to terminating psychiatrist, posted by starlight on April 7, 2004, at 16:25:21

I forgot to mention that I work at the hospital where I get treated. So basically, anyone who requests my medical record will now have access to my psyciatric records as well.

I am so bummed by this. It's unbelievable to me.
starlight

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist » starlight

Posted by Dinah on April 7, 2004, at 18:34:35

In reply to terminating psychiatrist, posted by starlight on April 7, 2004, at 16:25:21

That is truly frightening. I always believe my therapist about what he puts in his notes. I'm rather surprised that your psychiatrist was so indiscreet given the current climate where patients can and do request to see their records. Most of them write with an eye to potential readers including the patient.

I'm terribly sorry that happened to you, but keep in mind that just because he wrote it down doesn't make it truth. I shudder to think about what my first psychiatrist wrote in my records, but I'm sure my current psychiatrist's records contains nothing worse than hypochondriac about side effects. And the first one was just plain wrong.

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist

Posted by Joslynn on April 7, 2004, at 21:59:25

In reply to terminating psychiatrist, posted by starlight on April 7, 2004, at 16:25:21

oh. my. gosh.

I would be devastated too. Garish?! You sound like a lovely, creative, vibrant person with a stylish, MODEST flair. What do pdocs know about fashion anyway? Who does he think he is, Carson from Queer Eye?

I think that the privacy laws may vary from state to state, but maybe there is a way you can get the records "expunged"? I don't know how that all works.

I would definitely fire him. I couldn't keep seeing some so judgmental. I can understand a dr being worried about the herbal thing, but to be picking apart your clothes and calling you names in his notes? How awful!

I would feel insulted and betrayed too.

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist » starlight

Posted by Fallen4myT on April 7, 2004, at 22:02:09

In reply to terminating psychiatrist, posted by starlight on April 7, 2004, at 16:25:21

I am so very sorry what a horrible breach of trust. I really have nothing smart or wise to say I am just very sad that he messed with your file. Maybe that can be removed? Legally? I am not sure worth looking into
Hugs and so sorry :(

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist

Posted by starlight on April 8, 2004, at 11:03:12

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist, posted by Joslynn on April 7, 2004, at 21:59:25

It's really all I can do to keep from crying my eyes out. I can't tell my husband because he'll just say that he told me that I should never trust anyone that much. Pdoc assured me over and over that I could trust him not to reveal that information - and I work here - at the same place he does, different department but same hospital.

The girl that got me the records knows about it, so now I get to think about what she thinks of me in correlation to the records she saw. This just seems so wrong.

I had surgery not that long ago, so my records were up on the floor and my other doctors saw them, there's a good possibility that my anesthesiologists had access to them, so of course, now I'm a liar for telling him but no one else.

starlight

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist » starlight

Posted by mair on April 8, 2004, at 13:08:53

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist, posted by starlight on April 8, 2004, at 11:03:12

Your experience would seal the deal for me - there's no way I could continue to work with someone who breached my trust in such a dramatic way.

If it's any consolation, I think medical personnel are not allowed to look at other people's files, except in connection with treatment. I know of an instance where I live where a doctor was suspended for reading the medical record of someone who was then just a friend to her. Although I realize that this is absolutely not going reassure you - you're probably going to wander around for awhile wondering whether people you see know about your medical history.

I think I would have a need to confront this doctor about what he's done, even just as a prelude to terminating him. Maybe there's a way some of this material can be deleted.

I also think it's very difficult to read the clinical language that docs use to describe us. I know when I switched psychiatrists after the retirement of my first pdoc, I was furious when I read the medical recap letter he wrote to my new psychiatrist. I'm sure he thought he was just being dry and clinical; I thought he was being insensitive and that some of the judgements I read into what he wrote were simply unfair and baseless.

Please let us know what you decide to do.

Mair

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist » starlight

Posted by noa on April 8, 2004, at 17:50:39

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist, posted by starlight on April 8, 2004, at 11:03:12

It seems outrageous to me that all the records are co-mingled like that, and that the psychiatrist would put his subjective type notes in the main medical record, or even in the official psych record. Find someone who will be more straightforward with you!

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist

Posted by Speaker on April 8, 2004, at 21:27:09

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist » starlight, posted by noa on April 8, 2004, at 17:50:39

I AM SO SORRY!!!!! I am a nurse and I can't imagine other people seeing my records. I changed T's recently and asked him to not write notes...he agreed. However, after several months I asked him to see my file...legally they have to let you. His notes consisted of the date with Pt. requested no notes be taken. It sealed my trust in him. Is there any way you can get your records and remove his notes? I know myself and that's what I would try even if your not suppose to do that :). I would go in and make sure he knew you stopped smoking so that is in your file in case you can't remove them...then I would just quit scheduling with him. Please keep me posted as to what you do and how you are. I

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist

Posted by starlight on April 9, 2004, at 10:45:51

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist, posted by Speaker on April 8, 2004, at 21:27:09

It's all I can do to keep from crying. I just keep thinking of the things he said about me, about my appearance, listing the codes for narcissistic and histrionic, about my being "hopelessly lost to addiction" which is total bullshit. I'm so angry and deeply hurt that I trusted this man to treat me. I'd like to go back and tell him that I quit, but I'm a terrible liar. But to be labeled those things is just awful. I get tearful everytime I think about it, I just can't believe that he betrayed me like this and I don't think I can tell my husband, because he'll just be disappointed in me too, especially because he doesn't trust anyone with that info. I don't know how to get through this. I can't believe I was that stupid.
starlight

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist

Posted by starlight on April 9, 2004, at 15:46:26

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist, posted by starlight on April 9, 2004, at 10:45:51

I've put in a request to get a complete copy of my mental health records, and plan to figure it out from there. At least that way, I'm covered legally. It's really hard though. I feel exposed, even though I know that people don't really know - but I can't help but wonder.
starlight

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist » starlight

Posted by Speaker on April 10, 2004, at 1:07:36

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist, posted by starlight on April 9, 2004, at 10:45:51

You were NOT stupid...the T is in the wrong!!! He should have been honest and told you that he had to chart the info you gave him if indeed he was going to do that...He boldly lied to you. I hope you can tell your husband so you don't have to go through this alone...I always preface things like this with "I know you are going to get mad but...then he tries to prove me wrong and stays calm :). I think its a good thing to request a copy of your records but I don't think they are required to give you a copy. I know you have the right to look at your chart but I'm not sure if they have to provide you with a copy. They do have to provide your next Dr. with a copy if you request. If you work in the hospital I'm sure you know their rules...Good Luck and keep me posted. Take good care of you!!!!

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist

Posted by starlight on April 12, 2004, at 11:16:51

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist ? starlight, posted by Speaker on April 10, 2004, at 1:07:36

I felt pretty good over the weekend - I teach hot yoga and taught on Easter Sunday. I focused on three things, Forgiveness, Renewal and Gratitude, all things that I try to practice and I tried to especially focus on forgiveness and realize that it's probably (hopefully) unlikely that this will come back to haunt me.

But I didn't sleep that well, am still tired and uninspired musically. And now I feel like I should be looking for a job, since coming here is like wondering who knows, even though it's unlikely.

I'm still reeling from this. Literally in pain from his awful descriptions, and rethinking everything I do - am I doing this out of trying to manipulate something to my advantage? Does this action fit the narcissistic personality? Is that action part of the histrionic diagnosis?

My friend made an excellent point, if he thinks I'm hopelessly lost to addiction, then he's not the right doctor for me - for anyone for that matter - a doctor should be confident in his ability to help a patient heal - to move forward in life. I'm not lost to anything, no one is lost, we are right where we are.
starlight

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist » starlight

Posted by noa on April 12, 2004, at 13:15:25

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist, posted by starlight on April 12, 2004, at 11:16:51

>My friend made an excellent point, if he thinks I'm *hopelessly* lost to addiction, then he's not the right doctor for me - for anyone for that matter

AMEN.

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**

Posted by starlight on April 12, 2004, at 13:42:45

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist ? starlight, posted by noa on April 12, 2004, at 13:15:25

Do you all think that I might have a breach of confidentiality lawsuit option? Since my chart is all over the place in the hospital, and since he told me expressly that I could trust him?
starlight

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**

Posted by mair on April 12, 2004, at 14:59:47

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**, posted by starlight on April 12, 2004, at 13:42:45

maybe, but bear in mind that nothing will breach hopes of confidentiality quite like a lawsuit. Plus, you probably would need to name the hospital as a party also. Aren't you an employee of the hospital?

I would definitely consider a complaint to the appropriate professional licensing board.

Mair

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**

Posted by starlight on April 12, 2004, at 16:11:37

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**, posted by mair on April 12, 2004, at 14:59:47

I am an employee here, which to me makes it worse since he knew that I work here and didn't take any steps to protect me. I'm just so mad that he out and out lied to me. I'm sure I'd have to find work elsewhere, but he's caused me mental pain and suffering and it's just not right. That's for damn sure. I just can't believe that after I asked him over and over if I could trust him with this information and he said yes time and time again, I go and find all this stuff.

I do plan to make some sort of complaint and formulate an action plan. I thought about going to his boss, the chair of the department, but haven't decided exactly what to do yet.

To have this hanging over my head feels crappy. I guess a lawsuit might make me feel more vindicated. It would expose me, yes, but it would also expose him as a lying doctor not to be trusted.
starlight

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**

Posted by Speaker on April 12, 2004, at 20:54:18

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**, posted by starlight on April 12, 2004, at 16:11:37

I am so sorry this is happening!!! It might be best for you to go to his superior. If you go to the licensing board it is handled by the attorney gereral's office in your state and becomes a state lawsuit and your entire chart is put in the hands of the state board and available to any citizen that requests a transcript of the hearing...totally open to the public. When is your next appt. with the "snake in the grass" T??? Do you plan to go to the supervisor before you go back to the T., I would otherwise he will have the opportunity to talk to his supervisor before you do!!!

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**

Posted by starlight on April 13, 2004, at 10:55:06

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**, posted by Speaker on April 12, 2004, at 20:54:18

You know, we're pretty screwed when our lives can come down to a set of numbers on a medical record chart. I'm going to meet with my psychologist who's in private practice and we're going to formulate an action plan. He was the one I called when I found all of this out, and he was very supportive and helpful, though he didn't seem to think I had much recourse.

This has weighed on my mind so much. I think that one reason I don't want to tell my husband is that then whatever problems, issues we have, etc., could end up coming back to my "personality disorder" which I don't really think exists. I just think he doesn't really know me.

I'd love to confront him on it, just to see how he feels about my knowing what he said. I'd love to say to him, how can you even be a doctor if you think that someone is "hopelessly lost." I'm not lost - I'm right here. I wonder would he be remorseful or not even care. Not to mention, what he'd add to my chart afterwards, "she was combative, overly concerned with descriptions of herself in her chart" who knows.....

I don't have any current appointments scheduled and am a terrible liar - though I've thought of scheduling one to say that I quit and then a second one to tell him that I know. Can psychiatrists smell lies? ;)
starlight

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**

Posted by shadows721 on April 13, 2004, at 18:44:57

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**, posted by starlight on April 13, 2004, at 10:55:06

I know exactly how you feel. I posted below about my litigation and having my employer's atty obtaining and researching my entire psych therapy notes. It feels like a total violation of privacy. It has made me see therapist and psychiatrists in a whole new light. There isn't such thing as confidentiality. Forget it. That doesn't exist. All my previous therapists wanted me to open up and spill my past sexual abuse hx. Now, its in the hands of a greedy atty trying to use my past against me.

Those comments were almost sarcastic in his notes. They do not sound objective. I would not go into his office and blast him, because that is the personality that he has painted on his records of you - histronic. This guy almost sounded like he didn't like you personally. I don't like that stmt. "hopelessly addicted". As a medical professional, I take that as she is beyond hope. That's not the case here as you are 35 y/o. I could understand a 90 y/o with a 50 year long drinking problem.

You may not like what I am about to say, but it is the truth. If you don't want people to know you smoke, don't tell them. It will indeed be put in a file if you say so. Professionals by law are to record those things. I would say just go out and get another pdoc or just go to a GP. Personally, I feel this guy painted a very unobjective point of view of you. I would feel insulted as well. I wouldn't ever go back to this guy. He may have thought you were a manipulator by telling him what not to write. You just can't trust someone to not put something in writing. It is a horrible experience. I totally sympathize with you. It's not easy to get over this. Learn from this and watch what you say. I hate to say that, but this is the truth.

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**

Posted by starlight on April 15, 2004, at 12:43:36

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**, posted by shadows721 on April 13, 2004, at 18:44:57

I've thought about going in and blasting him, but it's likely that I won't, expressly for that reason - that I would be fulfilling his diagnosis.

There are a few recourse avenues that I have, and one of them is the possibility that his notes could be taken out of my record, since he's basically committed a breach of ethics. We'll see. Evidently, he has to tell me what his "diagnosis" is and he never did that.

And it's pretty clear from his descriptions of me that he must not think very highly of me, not that he has to, but I think if someone doesn't like you and is treating you, then they should encourage you to move on.

He may also have thought I was a manipulator because I refused to take the medications that he suggested - depakote and lithium were the things he wanted to put me on, but due to weight gain and the terrible way that depakote made me feel, I spoke to some other people about medications and did research on Trileptal and Lamictal. I went to him with my research and asked if we could try these drugs instead. So we had an "FDA" approval discussion and I argued that there was plenty of research that demonstrated it's effectiveness in similar circumstances, that the lack of side effects made them much more attractice, and that FDA approval didn't really mean much to me. I thought those were completely reasonable arguments, but maybe he felt threatened.

So that may have had something to do with it.
starlight

 

Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?** » starlight

Posted by terrics on April 16, 2004, at 18:05:06

In reply to Re: terminating psychiatrist ** Lawsuit?**, posted by starlight on April 15, 2004, at 12:43:36

Sorry this has happened. It seems your pdoc has a gigantic ego problem. Can you move on? terrics


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