Posted on 05/22/2013 11:34:32 AM PDT by SomeCallMeTim
I walked out of my Dr's office today without getting my physical. My Dr for the past 13 years closed his private office and joined the behemoth, Baptist Health System. Before my physical, I had to fill out a bunch of new forms... One of them said, "You acknowledge agreement with our Privacy Policy"..
I hadn't been given the Privacy Policy... so, I asked for it. Wow.
So many things in it that are awful.. for starters, they say right up front, they reserve the right to CHANGE their policy at any time, without notifying anyone, and all information they already own will be subject to the NEW rules.. whatever they may be.
Then, it says they can give my information to fund raising groups... and, to any "Health Related benefit or service that MIGHT be interesting to you". Like what? Adult diaper sellers??
And... how about this line.. a verbatim quote: "We may release information if asked by a law enforcement official"
Seriously? ANY cop can walk up and ask whether I have gonorrhea (I don't)... or anything? And, they MAY tell them?
I'm actually thinking about contacting the local media... maybe this would make a decent story for them... But, I doubt it.
Guy told me, "This is a Federal Law, we can't change it". ?? Yea.. right. The Fed REQUIRES them to give my information to a fund raiser for Baptist Hospital.
Not sure what I'm going to do. They own half of the Dr's in this town now. Options are dwindling. My prescriptions run out in 2 weeks... that's how long I have to try to find a new Doc, or just give up and give in.
I do not think you are over reacting one bit. Here in the county I live in, there is one doctor remaining who has not succumbed to the pressure to join some sort of socialized medicine group. He is my GP. It is no surprise that he is a conservative Christian.
No. Many doctors are mad about the same issues.
Here’s a good one I heard from my wife’s doctor yesterday. Many doctors never learned to type or use the software in their office, now we have Obamacare many need to learn so instead, if they are a certain age and can afford it, they are retiring.
Sad thing is.. I LOVED my Doctor. He was terrific...
I didn’t even get a chance to speak with him. I’ve requested a phone call from him. Nothing yet.
There truly aren’t many private practice physicians around here anymore.
if it is possible, get off the prescription thing and do away with docs unless you’re in a car crash or something emergency. this can giveyou time to really find a good conservative hristian doc not caught up in obamacare.
Search the web for private non-insurance based doctors, direct-pay, etc.
People are coming up with ideas.
I saw a Christian group that shares medical expenses in some way and they have a list of participating doctors. I don’t know if they’re ok or not.
I’d research a bit, you may find something.
I tried that.. while there. They wouldn't accept it.
UPDATE: Just got a call from a young man in their HIPPA compliance Department. He noted down the areas of my concern and SAID he would take them up with the corporate group that is currently reviewing this.
I won't hold my breath.
My main concern is, actually, the fact that they can change their policy at any time, without notice, and all the information they already have will be subject to the new policy terms. THAT, in effect, means they can do whatever they want, whenever they want.... and don't even have to tell me about it.
An example of a "direct care, or cash only, practice":
www.touchstoneinternalmedicine.com/frequently-asked-questions.html
I work at a hospital.
Our Privacy Policy is nothing like that!
They list when and where they will release your info like other doctors that may consult on your case or your insurance company.
Law enforcement can only get your records by your direct permission or court order.
Commercial interests don’t get your records but may be notified that you are in a group (cancer pt, heartburn pt etc.) but you can opt out of sharing that info.....There’s a little check box there.
Run away!
Take your copy of the policy, strike out the portions you don’t like, initial those strikeouts, and turn it in with the short form. Say think you that was helpful, and hopefull they will not see you made strikeouts. Acceptance of the altered Policy could cause problemns for them later. Optimally, you should make a copy. Worth a try.
Interesting. I would not sign something that says a company can change its policies and you agree to whatever those changes are. That’s insanity. Wonder what’s going on.
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