Paula doesn't want her violent boyfriend to know she's getting an abortion, so she ask her Dr. to send all communications to her to a post office box an to phone her only at work. What should the Dr. do legally?

The doctor should tell the police, in every single situation, but secure Paula first to make sure she does not get hurt.

I disagree, Misty.

The doctor should follow Paula's directions and send all communications to the p.o. box or phone her at work.

The doctor should honor Paula's request it is patient doctor confidentiality.

I'm not a legal expert, but I can provide some basic guidance on the topic. In a situation like this, it's essential to prioritize Paula's safety and well-being while abiding by the law. Here are some general steps the doctor could consider:

1. Respect patient confidentiality: The doctor should ensure that all communication regarding Paula's medical treatment is kept confidential and not shared with anyone without her explicit consent.

2. Inform Paula about privacy practices: The doctor should inform Paula about the privacy practices and make her aware of the potential risks associated with sharing personal medical information.

3. Document Paula's preferences: The doctor should document Paula's request to use a post office box for mail and to contact her only at work, along with the reasons she provided for making these requests.

4. Provide alternative communication methods: The doctor may discuss alternative communication methods with Paula, such as encryption for electronic communications or secure messaging platforms, to help protect her privacy.

5. Comply with applicable laws: The doctor should be familiar with the laws and regulations regarding patient privacy and confidentiality in their jurisdiction, such as those outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, and ensure compliance with these laws.

It is essential for the doctor to consult with legal professionals or experts in healthcare privacy to ensure they follow all pertinent laws and regulations to best protect Paula's confidentiality and safety.