Posted by Dr. Bob on August 2, 2002, at 14:13:13
In reply to Insurance, Profitability, Utilization... « fachad , posted by Dr. Bob on July 16, 2002, at 10:56:34
Medical non privacy - VERY IMPORTANT!!
Posted by no longer naive on August 1, 2002, at 15:25:43
In reply to http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020709/msgs/112416.html> This is long, but you need to read it to the conclusion. I've found out some horrifying info about how unsafe our medical records are. I speak from experience and only followed the trail because of circumstance and necessity. Those forms you sign to apply for a job, a bank account, an insurance policy usually 'require' an authorization for medical records 'just in case'. I found out some chilling truths by looking at my med records and by talking to others that medical records contain information that point to where to find your psychatric records, your tax info, police records, DUII records, alcoholism treatment 'secrets', and other stuff you wouldn't want to get into many hands. How do you think insurance and other companies get copies of your records? You authorize them to do so and they send clerks from Kinko's and other copy services to rifle through your records, make photocopies, which then pass hands many many times on down the line. These days you can buy info on just about anyone over the internet. How do you think this info gets into so many hands? Well, copy service clerks can make a little extra on the side by selling this information. And they do. Just consider how many hands have handled your 'private' files by just doing routine filing? Then think how many examine them more closely for any number of reasons. Do you think a juicy tidbit doesn't get recounted, and your name and SSN are all over these tidbits. You have no say whatsoever what happens to your info and who can use it because you have legally signed over your privacy rights.
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> In my records were verbatim conversations I had with my primary care doc and my pdoc obviously spoken into a recorder and then transcribed by a transcriptionist for the report. So right there is another layer of those who have seen my medical data. Also an eye opener was what my docs had to say about me! A psych I was seeing for weeks was very obviously not even listening to me. My history was totally inaccurate. If for no other reason, check out your records to see what they really think about you.
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> I've heard stories about kids diagnosed with behaviour problems and then growing out of them being stymied at every turn for scholarships, even though they were honor students. Why? because the parents had signed a 'just in case' authorization and schools dug in there to find out that little Johnny had bit a classmate 5 years earlier, and oh, by the way, dad had a bit of an alcohol problem he sought counseling for. And yep, right there was social security info and the authorization to get tax info. You see, the so called medical authorizations you sign also in fine print say things like 'and related records' which is easy to miss, especially when a potential employer is sitting there tapping their fingers and looking at their watch.
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> An attorney told me, always, always, always take the time to read before signing even if you have to use a telescope to read the print. If something doesn't feel right, don't scratch out and mark up the form, it will only raise a red flag. Instead say something like 'gee, I'd like to take this home and maybe talk to my lawyer. With all the information theft going on, you just can't be too careful these days.' Smile a bit sheepishly and then go home and rewrite the form, sign it and usually the clerk will just say, 'duh, OK' just as long as they can check off their required forms checklist.
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> If you've already signed away your life (I kid you not, folks), write a letter to all your doctors, and to your managed care facility, hospital, etc. stating that you revoke any and all prior contracts and authorizations and any requests for records cannot be released without specific authorization from you. This way you can head them off at the pass, release only info that you deem fit, and you'll know who is prying.
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> You'd be amazed a the bills that have slipped through signed by our dear Prez's allowing access to our records 'for security reasons'. Terrorism is definitely a reality, but we're all handing over our rights and privacy without a second thought to assure our safety, or so we're promised. Well guess what - there is no safety, at least not any that our crooked government can provide. Be aware that you are paying a high price for your medical coverage. All covered expenses open the doors to your private life. Whenever you think you're getting something for free or for a good price, like some nice insurance company paying for your health care, ask yourself the question 'who is benefitting here?' In other words, follow the money. Yours truly, from someone who is a former trusting soul to one who is no longer naive.
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Re: Medical non privacy - VERY IMPORTANT!!
Posted by cybercafe on August 2, 2002, at 2:24:06
In reply to Medical non privacy - VERY IMPORTANT!!, posted by no longer naive on August 1, 2002, at 15:25:43> ... cool, how can i look up other people's info on the internet? ...
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> ... i want to find an employer who suffers from depression...
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:26359
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020728/msgs/27849.html