A conversation with the doctor or specialist is often over before you know it. What did the doctor say? By law you can record a conversation. Handy for listening at home. The KNMG doctors’ federation has drawn up a number of new rules for this.
Why would you record a conversation with the doctor?
Research shows that people remember very little of what a doctor has said. Only 10% of the information sticks. It can be caused by emotions, but also because a lot is said in a short time. With a recording you can listen back to everything quietly.
Can you always record a conversation?
Yes, this is stated in the law, provided the recording is for private use only. So you can listen back at home with your partner or a friend. For example, you can record with a mobile phone. Use a sound app (such as Voice Record) because you are only allowed to make sound recordings, so do not film or photograph.
Why can’t you film?
Stricter rules apply to image recordings than to sound recordings. If it turns out that video recordings have been made secretly in the doctor’s office, or if these recordings have been made public, the doctor can report this to the police.
What can you do with the sound recording?
It is intended for private use. Sharing on Facebook or other social media is therefore not allowed, unless the doctor gives explicit permission for this. If you have made a conversation public, the doctor can ask to remove it again. If you don’t, the doctor can take legal action.
Do you have to inform the doctor that you are recording a conversation?
You don’t have to, but it’s nicer to report it. Doctors have indicated in a survey on this topic that they find it rather uncomfortable that the conversation is recorded. This gives them a feeling of distrust or fear that their own privacy is being compromised. It is therefore better for the relationship to report it first. Also explain why you want to record the conversation. This may be a reason for additional help or information.
Can a doctor also make audio recordings of the conversation?
That is not allowed without your permission. If recordings are made, they are part of the medical file. The recordings may therefore not be made public.
How often do people record the conversation with the doctor?
A 2016 survey showed that half of medical specialists sometimes receive a request from a patient to record a conversation. A more recent poll of doctors indicated that 40% sometimes get this question from a patient. Doctors were initially a bit uncomfortable, but the doctors’ federation now advises to let patients know that they can record the conversation. For example with a poster in the waiting room.
Knowing more?
Look in the KNMG guide about recording conversations.
