Urology Consultations: Privacy and Prostate Concerns

Q: Urology Consultations: Privacy and Prostate Concerns

Health is the most important： Hello, 1. <br>I see patients in Taipei. <br>If I am currently being treated for gonorrhea or a sexually transmitted disease, will the doctor at another hospital, such as an orthopedic clinic, be able to access my previous medical history from the com

Issues during a medical consultation?

1.
If I see a doctor in Taipei for conditions like gonorrhea or STDs, will the next doctor I visit at another hospital, such as an orthopedic specialist, be able to access my previous medical history from the computer? Since Taipei City has a unified hospital system.
2.
I have been experiencing a tingling discomfort in my perineum and frequent loose stools.
Could this be related to a prostate issue? Thank you.

Jiànkāng zuì zhòngyào, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/06/01

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Health is the most important: Hello, 1.
I see patients in Taipei.
If I am currently being treated for gonorrhea or a sexually transmitted disease, will the doctor at another hospital, such as an orthopedic clinic, be able to access my previous medical history from the computer? Since Taipei City has a unified hospital system, to be honest, I am not sure.
I believe they probably cannot access it, not due to system or software issues, but because the computer speed may not be fast enough.
If full access to inquiries were allowed, it would significantly impact the overall patient flow in the hospital.
Therefore, general computer rooms limit access to patient data within the hospital, keeping it as simple as possible to avoid risks such as viruses.
If there is a genuine need for access, it may be opened selectively.
However, general physicians typically do not use this feature during consultations; it is only applied for research purposes.
2.
Recently, I have been experiencing discomfort and tingling in my perineum, along with frequent soft stools.
Could this be a prostate issue? At your age (under 50), it is unlikely to have prostate problems, as it has not yet begun to grow rapidly.
Typically, the prostate starts to develop around the age of 35, increasing in size by about 1 gram each year, so symptoms usually do not appear until around 55-60 years of age.
Urology Department Director, Hsu Wei-Kai, responds on behalf of the Taitung Hospital of the Department of Health, Executive Yuan, and expresses concern for you.

Reply Date: 2005/06/01

More Info

When it comes to urology consultations, especially concerning sensitive issues like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or prostate health, privacy and confidentiality are paramount. In response to your questions:
1. Medical Records and Privacy: In Taiwan, as in many places, medical records are generally kept confidential. If you visit a different department within the same hospital system, such as moving from urology to orthopedics, the doctors may have access to your medical history, including any diagnoses or treatments related to STIs or other conditions. However, if you visit a completely different hospital or clinic, they typically will not have access to your previous medical records unless you provide them with that information or authorize the transfer of your records. It’s important to communicate your concerns about privacy with your healthcare providers. They are obligated to maintain confidentiality and should inform you about how your medical information is handled.

2. Symptoms and Prostate Health: The discomfort you are experiencing in the perineal area, along with frequent soft stools, could indeed be related to prostate issues. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which can lead to discomfort in the pelvic area when it is inflamed or enlarged. Conditions such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain in the perineum, urinary difficulties, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms due to the proximity of the prostate to the rectum.
Soft stools and changes in bowel habits can also be influenced by dietary factors, stress, or gastrointestinal conditions. It’s essential to consider these factors and discuss them with your healthcare provider. They may recommend a thorough evaluation, including a digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess the prostate, and possibly urine tests or imaging studies to rule out other conditions.

If you are experiencing persistent discomfort or changes in your urinary or bowel habits, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. A urologist can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine if your symptoms are related to prostate health or if there are other underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In summary, while your medical history may be accessible within the same healthcare system, privacy concerns are valid and should be discussed with your providers. Additionally, your symptoms warrant further investigation to determine if they are related to prostate issues or other gastrointestinal concerns. Always feel empowered to ask questions and seek clarity from your healthcare team regarding your health and privacy.

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