Why Doctors Should Not Ask Their Patients About Guns

Forbes ^ | 2014 | Paul Hsieh

[Karliner]

Should doctors ask patients if they own guns? Currently, ObamaCare bans the federal government from using patient medical records to compile a list of gun owners. But following the Newtown, CT shootings, President Obama issued an executive order clarifying that “the Affordable Care Act [ObamaCare] does not prohibit doctors asking their patients about guns in their homes.” The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) similarly encourages physicians to ask patients if they own firearms — in the name of protecting child safety. As a physician, I consider this advice misguided.

[glock rocks]

Thanks for the ping.

My doc carries a Sig P229. I know this because I had to remove mine from my SOB to get an injection in the hip once :o)

[captain_dave]

Firearms owners can relax and honestly say "No", because, as I learned in the Army, a "Gun" is a crew served artillery piece.

This is a Gun

So if you don't have one of these, just say "No"

[Conservative4Life]

LOL same here, 20+ yrs in Minnesota and they all asked. Some Freeper posted a liability form on FreeRepublic years ago and I started taking that in and requesting it be filled out before answering their gun questions and sure enough, the questions stopped. That particular medical conglomerate wanted their family doctors to go through an NRA program to alleviate their liability in that area.
I have since gone through several computers since then and cannot find the liability forms. They worked. If anyone has those forms, let me know. I have moved on to a more free state but have had to go to neighboring liberal states and that form would be useful once again.

[SuperLuminal]

"Do I own a gun. No. "

Yep! I can truthfully answer "yes"...

Just as long as they don't ask: Do I own guns. Then I will lie emphatically.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Lost them all in a tragic boating accident.

[DCBryan1]

This is another reason our trust attorney set up a gun trust. If anyone ever asks: "Do you own a gun"...the legal and ethical answer is. No. (because the gun trust "owns" them).

The real answer is "STFU and do your job".....but doesn't gain you any friends.

[joma89]

I always answer honestly when asked “Do I own ‘A’ gun?” and that answer is clearly, no.

JoMa

[DCBryan1]

"Doctor, I see your diploma on the wall there, so I know you’re qualified to discuss medical issues with me. Could you please show me your Certified Firearms Instructor certificate so that I know you are qualified to discuss gun safety with me?”

....and add this: "Also doc, what is the name, address, and phone number of your malpractice insurance. Do they know you may be practicing outside your field?"

[Sidebar Moderator]

To prevent duplication, please do not alter the published title. Thank you.

[Texas Fossil]

My doctor owns a gun, do you think he will ask me if I do?

If he did, I’d tell him of course.

[Jewbacca]

I like it.

Bit like selling unknown chametz (yeast bread) during Passover (for the beer you forgot in the back of the cooler when cleaning).

As an aside, our doctor has a mandated list of questions, including about firearms. Our children have known to lie since they were 4.

[mabarker1]

"I can neither confirm or deny this"

[mabarker1]

Ping above;)

[JimRed]

None of my doctors have brought it up. I hope it stays that way.

[Karliner]

To prevent duplication, please do not alter the published title. Thank you

Sorry, been awhile. It was merely a question then decided to add an article. I should have put this in vanity sans the article but had to find if others have seen this form. I was rushed. Accept my apologies.

[AlaskaErik]

My wife finally convinced me to get a doctor, as I will be forced into Medicare next year. Fortunately, there were no gun questions asked.

[TADSLOS]

Stock Answer: I own the authority and accept the responsibility of the 2nd Amendment.

[FreedomPoster]

I cleaned one up for the 2nd Amendment Sisters some years ago that was pretty good. Ping me later, I’ll see if I can dig around and find it. Was the one you had an 8-1/2 x 11 tri-fold piece?

[Big Red Badger]

My Ex had some but she took them
along with my best Friend.

[catnipman]

there was a very brief period a few years ago in my neck o’ Colorado that the gun question was being asked along with such questions as “Do you feel safe in your home?”, etc. But that didn’t last long and the gun question got dropped like a hot potato ... I imagine numerous hostile answers contributed to the quick omission ...