Patient Struggles to Opt Out of Health Data Sharing in Virtual Appointments

• Dr. Shira Fischer, a health policy physician, sought a speech pathologist for her child in 2022.
• The consent form indicated the appointment could be recorded and used for training, which Fischer objected to.
• Despite being told she could opt out, Fischer found the process to be frustrating and complex.
• The hospital did not honor its own policies, and staff provided incorrect information.
• The investigation was co-published by CalMatters, The Markup, and STAT.