Check the law in your state. Many states (such as Florida, where I practice), have a "two party consent" law, which makes it a crime to intercept or record a "wire, oral, or electronic communication", unless all parties consent. The only exception is if the parties do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy such as public place where they might reasonably be overheard. Conversation in a physician's office -- well, common sense tells you is private. In addition to criminal prosecution, violating the law can expose the offender to a civil lawsuit for damages by the injured party.
I also don't allow recordings. If I'm challenged, I tell the patient "because recordings can be tampered with". They might as well know that their request causes distrust. Patients must come to appointments prepared to ask questions. If the reason given is to have a third party review the discussion, I tell them there is no way I can explain something to someone who isn't present. The third person would be better served by just calling me.
