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Can doctors access my mental health records in the new NSHealth system?

Can doctors access my mental health records in the new NSHealth system?
Health & Wellness 6 answers • ryan_barr
I'm concerned about the new One patient, one record system in Nova Scotia's health records. As someone with a lengthy mental health record, I'm worried that doctors dealing with my physical health will access my mental health history and potentially discriminate against me because of it. This has already happened to me and I was called paranoid when I brought the issue to my mental health team.
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5 Answers · 1 reply

CristianCristian •
A healthcare provider should have access to a patient's complete medical history to make informed decisions. This includes any previous treatments, medications, and health conditions. A comprehensive understanding of a patient's health is crucial for delivering the best possible care.
jonathan62 •
Medical professionals need a patient's entire health picture to make educated recommendations. Without this information, they're missing half the equation. While there may be instances of bad actors, the general rule is that healthcare providers require access to all relevant information.
Alice •
The issue lies in the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health, not the act of sharing information. Mental health has a profound impact on the body, and it would be irrational to intentionally separate it from overall care.
Mathieu Boucher •
It's worth noting that this practice was also in place before the OPOR changes.
EllieEllie •
The key difference in OPOR is that the diagnosis list is displayed on the client chart's main page for anyone who opens it, assuming the client has listed diagnoses. Additionally, while OPOR makes it easier to access notes, the rules around access still apply. Healthcare providers should only view information relevant to the client's care.
GurpreetGurpreet •
I want my doctors to have a complete understanding of my health when they diagnose me. For instance, if my mental health medications have a side effect that's affecting me, I'd like them to be aware of it and consider it when making treatment decisions.
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