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LauraJunia · May 3, 2011, 08:08 PM

I'm an adult woman who lives with, and is for the most part financially supported by, my mother. (insert long sad story here) I have had extensive dental problems and have had a lot of dental work done by a very competent and expensive dentist, paid for by my mother. He is also my mother's dentist as well as my brother's.

Last week my mother went for a teeth cleaning and she had a long conversation with the dentist about... according to her... his belief I am not taking care of my teeth well and I should not be drinking diet sodas, and some other opinions. She came home furious and we had a huge argument - a not unusual occurrence. I felt strongly that Dr. should not have had that conversation with her but with me. It made me feel kind of violated. But if I complain I'm afraid he won't complete the work.

Is this a HIPPAA violation? How should I talk about this with his office?

Thanks

tickle · May 4, 2011, 04:28 AM

Your dentist did not divulge any personal identity information to anyone, so can't be a HIPAA. His only fault is venting to your mom about some habits you should be partaking of.

I would let it pass and not even mention it to your dentist. Why start a confrontation if you don't need to and jeopardize how he treats your teeth. Once finding a good dentist, keep him.
Tick

ballengerb1 · May 4, 2011, 06:56 AM

Its HIPAA and tickle is correct, no violation. A few things to consider, when a story gets repeated and an argument ensues the story that started the problem was likely not repeated 100% accurately. He dentist could have said you need to take better care of your teeth, Mom, payer of the bills, hears that you don't care about your health and its being taken care of for free anyway.

LauraJunia · May 5, 2011, 08:18 AM

Thanks all. I did talk to the office asst because I have a good relationship with her. We agreed (1) the version of the story from my mother I got could be skewed. (2) Dentist is rabid about not drinking any form of carbonated drinks, including diet, which was the subject of their conversation. (3) Dentist did not know degree of dysfunction and degree of anger my mother is capable of and therefore not aware the repurcussions, (3) my reiteration of how happy I am with level of care he provides and finally (4) no action required other than please please please talk to me about concerns, because he had not talked to me about diet soda. I told asst it was not even necessary for him to call me. Alls well that ends well! And yes, I'm cutting down on the diet soda.

This is a great site, I just found it the other day!

tickle · May 5, 2011, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by LauraJunia

Dentist did not know degree of dysfunction and degree of anger my mother is capable of and therefore not aware the repurcussions,
This is a great site, I just found it the other day!

I would have considered this information regarding your mom, a 'not-need-to-know' by your dentist about your mom because that sort of gives him an avenue into your personal life, that is not necessary. As far as he is concerned, he deals with your mom and you on a professional level only.

I am glad you liked our site which we try to keep entirely professional for any walk of life; I hope you will come back with some of your own advice. :)

Just my opinion.

Tick