Outed by medical disclosure forms

[Lilian J]

I went to the dentist yesterday for a clean and checkup and was presented with a medical disclosure form . As this dentist is run by my insurance company and generally I'd like to be upfront when it comes to medical issues I noted my HRT meds and listed being treated for hormone issues and steeled myself to get questioned on this but the hygienist who updated my details said nothing and neither did the dentist.

I know to keep my insurance coverage I have to be honest on these forms but does anyone have an idea for something more generic I could put? or is it best just to be explicit and trust that medical / insurance forms are confidential?

[Mariah]

I wish there was, but alas there isn't. It's part of matching your info with your insurance's info. Hugs
Mariah

[Cindy]

Medical confidentiality in Australia is strictly enforced. It is a go to jail, do not pass go and don't collect $200.

I did much the same prior to changing my medicare cards and private insurance details.

When I changed my details there was not so much as a blink.

I recall a similar situation with my dentist, the receptionist just asked if I had a preferred name that they could list.

[Ms DeeDee]

In the US as well, there are severe civil penalties under the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) of up to $50,000 for single incident, as well as potential criminal penalties.  Unfortunately, you have to rely on the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) or Justice Department to enforce the HIPAA, there is no private right of action under federal law and you don't get any part of the money recovered, it's a fine that goes the Treasury, so you don't get anything to compensate you for the injury.  However, there may be claims under state law as well, depending on the state.

DeeDee

[Rachel]

I had to disclose to my employee health when I volunteered for a position. I received an e-mail at home to report to EH 1st thing the next day. They did not share the information but when they passed me in the hallway or when I was in a meeting with the director me made eye contact and acknowledged each other with a smile and a hello when before there wasn't the same level of connection.

[Lilian J]

Thanks. I have no problem putting down medications on forms that a medical professional might need to know if I started having a problem whilst under their care or to check for conflicting meds and I expect medical professionals (even admin staff) to be professional. However I current carry life insurance, health insurance, 2 types of liability insurance for work, travel insurance and scuba dive insurance for medical evacuation and it is not very straight forward on most of them what I need to disclose.

I suppose if confusing forms are my worst problem then I am doing pretty well