The confidential tab is to allow the documentation of confidential information that can only be seen by high level providers. Patients may wish to confide in you information they do not want others to see. Sometimes the nurse or secretary knows the patient or the sister of the patient, and the same confidentiality may not apply or, even if it does or should, they don't take it as seriously.
As far as I know it is not part of the record. If you print it, it clearly states it is confidential.
