Patient/Doctor Confidentiality?

Question

Last week, I drove my sister and niece to the pediatrician's office for an abdominal pain that was persisting and increasing. When my niece's exam was done, she told me that she told the doctor not to say anything to my sister. The next thing we know, my niece was back in the waiting room with me, and we were wondering why her mom went back in the office with the doctor. On the way back to their house, my sister started yelling at "Nicole" because the doctor told her everything "Nicole" asked him not to. My niece won't talk to her doctor anymore, and that can be dangerous! My sister won't let "Nicole" change doctors, and my niece is at the point where she wants to sue her doctor for sharing information that she thought was private. Does she have a case?

Answer 1

depends it may have to do with Nicole's age.  if she is a Minor and her sister has custody of her then the dr can tell her depending on what its in regards to.  

Answer 2

YES. Doctor/Patient confidentiality also applies to adolescents!

Answer 3

There is a law suit waiting to happen.  The doctor can NOT tell her mother what she confided in him.