# Doctor Patient Confidentialty **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 24, 2003, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-patient-confidentialty/220776 "2003-12-24T03:38:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-patient-confidentialty/220776/1 "2003-12-24T03:38:26Z")
It couldn’t happen to a [nicer guy](http://www.startribune.com/stories/484/4284926.html), but they can get Limbaugh’s medical records without even invoking the Patriot Act? Next they will require his Wife to testify against him. ---
**Author:** ![St.Urho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8e7dd6/32.png) [@St.Urho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St.Urho)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-patient-confidentialty/220776/2 "2003-12-24T03:45:01Z")
I was under the impression that medical records could be used in a court of law, already. I know that’s certainly the case with ambulance run reports. St. Urho EMT/Firefighter ---
**Author:** ![doctordoowop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecc23a/32.png) [@doctordoowop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doctordoowop)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2003, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-patient-confidentialty/220776/3 "2003-12-24T05:29:26Z")
Doctor- patient confidentiality is not as “inviolate” as doctor-patient privilege( the distinction is subtle & too difficult to explain here) & legal privilege is easily overcome pursuant to subpoena, court order, or 'the interests of justice."( There are a few other exceptions- dangerousness, child custody fights, generally legally related reasons.