Confidentiality is an interesting topic and during a Therapeutic Reflexology session everything shared with the Therapeutic Reflexologist is confidential, however, there are limitations to confidentiality. In today’s post, we’ll consider confidentiality in therapeutic reflexology.
When going to a Therapeutic Reflexologist, the patient can be assured that everything shared is confidential in the same way as it is confidential as if you have spoken to your Medical Doctor, Physiotherapist, or Psychologist. The Therapeutic Reflexologist will not reveal anything revealed or unraveled during a therapeutic reflexology consultation with anyone else; you can rest assured that your healthcare history will be kept confidential at all times.
There are three main exceptions to this rule:
Firstly, an ICD-10 code is usually placed on your invoice which is a requirement by the medical schemes to reimburse you for the therapeutic reflexology treatment. In a sense, this is a breach of confidentiality because the ICD-10 code is usually the description (or condition) for which you are receiving a therapeutic reflexology treatment. As this is a requirement by medical schemes, it is placed on the invoice, but in order for this “breach” of confidentiality to occur, the patient provides permission for this before the commencement of the treatment. All new patients at Christo Scheepers Therapeutic Reflexologist sign a form of admission giving him permission to work with you and in which it is stated that the patient gives permission for the ICD-10 code to occur on the invoice. This is a standard practice you will see with most, if not all, healthcare professionals.
Secondly, if a court of law orders the Therapeutic Reflexologist to make the patient file available, then confidentiality is breached, but this only occurs by court order. Usually, this is more applicable to the work of medical doctors or psychologists, but if a court should order a Therapeutic Reflexologist to reveal the content of a patient file, then it has to happen.
Thirdly, and finally, confidentiality has to be breached by the Therapeutic Reflexologist or any other healthcare provider (or any adult), if the patient is a minor child that is possibly being sexually abused or if a patient is a threat to themselves or to others. If a healthcare provider is made aware of a possible case of sexual abuse of a minor child, it is compulsory for such healthcare providers to formally report it for investigation; failure to do so may lead to the healthcare provider being held liable in the matter.
These are instances where confidentiality may be breached or has to be breached, but furthermore, the entire consultation is confidential to ensure the safety of the patient.
The best interest of the patient is always of the utmost importance and therefore your information is kept confidential and your details will never be sold or shared with anyone else. Your information is always kept confidential by healthcare providers, including Therapeutic Reflexologists.
When visiting a properly qualified and registered Therapeutic Reflexologist, you are ensured of a professional healthcare service where your confidentiality is a priority.
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Christo A. Scheepers: Therapeutic Reflexologist
Dip.T.R.(Cum Laude) [IARAMT]
AHPCSA: A11945
Pr. No.: 1080000737453
Tel. 072-800 7243