Confidentiality to Other Parties in the USA

How about the confidentiality to insurance company and employer related to the medical records during psychotherapy?

Psychologists will share certain information about your diagnosis and treatment with the health insurance company or government program (such as Medicare or Medicaid) that is paying for your treatment so that the company or program can determine what care is covered. The health insurance company or program is also bound by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to keep that information confidential. However, if you choose to pay out of pocket for services, and you choose to not ask your insurance provider for reimbursement, your insurance may not be aware that you are seeing a psychologist. Similarly, your psychologist may ask for your consent to share information, or discuss your care, with your other health care professionals to coordinate your care.

Employers don't receive information about the health services an employee receives, even if he or she uses company insurance. Some companies offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), which offer mental health services to employees. Usually, the company simply provides the service but doesn't receive information about how each employee uses it. However, if you have any questions about privacy and your organization's EAP, talk to a human resources representative for more details.

# American Psychological Association