I used to be a bit nervous when a patient would ask if they could record our visit. Could it be made public, put up on YouTube or used in a later lawsuit?
But in reality, it might be a useful communication tool. According to the NYT, Washington is one of the states where both parties need to approve a recorded conversation. So don’t hit the record button on your iPhone unless you have consent. I used to write out all my instructions and medication changes, finding that my patients would dutifully pull out the crumpled sheet on the next visit.
Some doctors have begun recording the visit conversations then putting this up on a secure web site for patients and family members to review. Wow, what transparency and what a useful way to review just what the heck the doctor really said.