Symbolic image of a doctor's visit being recorded, representing patient empowerment and healthcare technology.

Are Your Doctor's Visits Being Recorded? What You Need to Know

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Navigating the ethical and legal considerations of recording medical consultations."

In an era defined by instant information and personal data capture, the dynamic between doctors and patients is undergoing a subtle yet significant shift. More individuals are choosing to record their medical consultations, armed with smartphones and a desire for a comprehensive understanding of their health. While this practice offers benefits, it also raises concerns among healthcare providers about privacy, trust, and legal implications.

A recent study from the Dartmouth Institute highlights this growing trend, revealing that approximately one in five patients has already recorded a clinical visit. What's even more striking is that over three in five express interest in doing so in the future. This surge in patient-initiated recordings is particularly prominent among men, younger individuals, and those who primarily speak languages other than English at home, indicating a diverse range of motivations and needs.

The reasons behind this increasing trend are multifaceted. Patients may seek to review complex medical information later, share details with family members, or simply ensure an accurate record of the discussion. However, the implications for doctors and the healthcare system are profound, touching on issues of consent, confidentiality, and the overall doctor-patient relationship.

Why Are Patients Recording Doctor's Visits?

Symbolic image of a doctor's visit being recorded, representing patient empowerment and healthcare technology.

According to study lead Paul Barr, a significant portion of health information—up to 80%—is forgotten by patients shortly after their clinic visit. Recording consultations offers a remedy, allowing patients to revisit details, understand treatment plans thoroughly, and adhere to medical advice more effectively.

Here are some key reasons why patients choose to record their medical appointments:

Improved Recall: Recordings help patients remember important details and instructions discussed during the appointment.
Shared Understanding: Patients can share recordings with family members or caregivers, ensuring everyone is informed and aligned on treatment plans.
Clarity and Accuracy: Recordings provide an accurate reference in case of misunderstandings or disputes about what was said.
Empowerment: Recording can empower patients to take a more active role in their healthcare, leading to better health outcomes.
Second Opinions: Recordings can be used when seeking second opinions from other healthcare professionals.

While these benefits are clear, doctors who haven't experienced patients recording them often express mixed feelings about the prospect. Attitudes vary significantly by medical specialty; oncologists and physical rehabilitation specialists are more open to the idea than family doctors. This variance underscores the need for clear guidelines and policies to navigate this evolving landscape.

Navigating the Future of Recorded Doctor's Visits

The rise of patient-initiated recordings in healthcare is a trend that demands attention and proactive solutions. As clinicians and patients navigate this evolving landscape, it is crucial to establish clear policies, foster open communication, and prioritize mutual respect. By doing so, we can harness the benefits of recording while safeguarding the integrity and trust that underpin the doctor-patient relationship.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1503/cmaj.109-5675, Alternate LINK

Title: Doctors Conflicted About Patients Recording Clinical Visits

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Canadian Medical Association Journal

Publisher: CMA Joule Inc.

Authors: Lauren Vogel

Published: 2018-11-04

Everything You Need To Know

Why are patients increasingly choosing to record their medical consultations, and what benefits do they hope to gain from this practice?

Patients record their doctor's visits for several reasons. "Improved Recall" is a common one, as recordings help patients remember important details and instructions. Sharing the recording allows for a "Shared Understanding" with family and caregivers. Recordings also promote "Clarity and Accuracy" and "Empowerment" by allowing the patient to take a more active role. Also patients use the recording to seek "Second Opinions" from other healthcare professionals.

What does the Dartmouth Institute study reveal about the prevalence of patients recording doctor's visits, and which patient demographics are most likely to engage in this practice?

The Dartmouth Institute study revealed that approximately one in five patients has already recorded a clinical visit. Over three in five patients expressed interest in recording their medical consultation. This behavior is more common among men, younger individuals, and those who primarily speak languages other than English at home. This highlights the varying needs and motivations behind the increasing trend of recording medical consultations, pointing to diverse demographics seeking better understanding and management of their healthcare.

According to Paul Barr's study, what is the main reason patients forget health information, and how can recording consultations help address this issue?

Paul Barr's study indicates that patients tend to forget a large portion of health information, up to 80%, shortly after a clinic visit. By recording consultations, patients can revisit details, understand treatment plans thoroughly, and adhere to medical advice more effectively. This is particularly important for complex medical information or treatment plans that require ongoing management. The act of recording becomes a tool for better retention and application of healthcare instructions.

How do doctors' attitudes toward patients recording consultations vary by medical specialty, and what might account for these differences?

Attitudes toward patients recording consultations vary among doctors, with oncologists and physical rehabilitation specialists generally being more open to the practice than family doctors. This variance suggests that the perceived benefits and concerns may differ based on the nature of the medical specialty and the types of interactions involved. For example, specialists dealing with complex or critical conditions may see recordings as a helpful tool for patient understanding and adherence, while family doctors may have concerns about privacy or the impact on the doctor-patient relationship.

What are the key considerations for healthcare providers regarding patients recording consultations, and why are clear guidelines and policies needed to navigate this evolving landscape?

Recording doctor's visits brings up significant considerations for healthcare providers, particularly concerning consent, confidentiality, and the overall doctor-patient relationship. Clear guidelines and policies are needed to navigate these issues effectively. Healthcare systems must address how recordings are stored, who has access to them, and how they are used in the context of treatment and legal matters. Establishing trust and transparency in these policies is crucial to maintaining a positive and ethical healthcare environment. Without these considerations, the rise in recordings could strain the doctor-patient relationship and create legal uncertainty.