Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance??

[FrancisAnn]

I have BCBS health & dental insurance. Since I've started HRT I wonder what would be the outcome with BCBS coverage if I do not inform a physician upon an office visit that I'm taking estrogen, spiro, etc.... Obviously I would rather not inform all the nurses & the entire staff that I'm a pre op TS. I live 50% male & 50% female for now. My therapist advises me that I should disclose fully that I'm on HRT at all times to any physician. It's just that I live in a small town & I know these nurses would love to gossip some. In limbo on how to answer the question of "are you taking any medications"

[Misato]

I'd think what you tell them in the Doctors office, they couldn't blab about.

That said, my concern is actually that your concern about the gossip.  When you make the actual cut over, word will get out then for sure.  Unless you're planing on moving or something.  In any case, being out about your medications now might be a good step to help you get comfortable for your big day, and the days and weeks thereafter.

[FrancisAnn]

Paige,

Thank you, it sounds like you have some choices to make on securing coverage & or a new job?

I'm not sure how I'm going to handle this for now when asked the question "are you taking any medications". I think for now I'm going to just say no. Maybe later & if a different medical clinic I might open up. Not sure if HRT are considered medications???

[Misato]

I have a mess to deal with, but this thread ain't about that.

Be forewarned: I'm not sure how you're getting your meds but, depending upon the medical and computer networks involved, the doctor's office might already know what you're on when you show up.  When I last went in to my endo, she found out about the allergy medicine I got put on from the computer.

I'd also worry about misleading the doctor as to what your body chemistry is.  There might be risk there.

[FrancisAnn]

I understand. I'll talk more with my therapist on exactly how to handle this. She has advised full disclosure so maybe I should just be open if asked & not worry about it any more. It will not bother me whatsoever to just be open to the GP type physician. I just did not want all the nurses talking/gossiping. It's a very rural small area/town that I live in with only one medical clinic nearby.

[Angel in the Snow]

Nurses really can't go around town gossiping about patients. It's extremely unprofessional and I'm sure illegal. I think that when it comes to healthcare, it's really best to be as open to your doctor as you are able to be.

[FrancisAnn]

I know. I'll meet with my local GP physician & just let him know everything I'm taking, moderate levels of spiro & estrofem as prescribed by another physician. It will be good to have this point resolved.

Thanks for advise & concern girl friends.

[Flan]

Nurses really can't go around town gossiping about patients. It's extremely unprofessional and I'm sure illegal. I think that when it comes to healthcare, it's really best to be as open to your doctor as you are able to be.

All private health information including patient identity falls under HIPAA in the US. Violations when proven generally involve anywhere from fines to revoking of license. This does not mean all information is private because third party payers need a certain amount of information for business reasons which is itself still considered private information.
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints/index.html

[FrancisAnn]

Flan, thank you. 

I will be completely open with any physician so as not to cause any problems with BCBS insurance. My health & dental care coverage is very important. I hope to live a long life as a very nice pleasant attractive confident woman.