title: The confidentiality of medical records: the right to privacy versus the public interest.
abstract: The confidentiality of medical records is discussed in the context of the individual's right to privacy, as yet undefinable in degree, and the often conflicting demands for access to these records for purposes considered to be in the interests of society. The proposed use of a unique personal identifying number for medical records which facilitates linkage to administrative data systems is critically examined.
mesh_terms: D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D009864:Ontario