Posted on 10/30/2017 5:35:35 PM PDT by learner
I have received an invitation to a luncheon to discuss my back nerve problems from a group I do not know. The only people who know about this problem are my doctors who are all within the same group. So how did this other group know about my problem? Did someone sell my medical problem? That would be a HPIA violation of the law. This was a personal addressed invitation. I am not sure how to proceed, but if I get some great advice here, I will send $250 to FR and as Proof of that commitment, I will send $100 tonight on account. J R can confirm if he wants. If someone is selling my medical records, I want to know.
Learner.
Thanks,
Not a free meal guy.
Perhaps you bought a prescription online, or a back brace.
Do you have a hunched back?
There is no shame in having a nerve problem, or any physical problem for that matter. Only shame is the self inflicted health problems...smoking, drinking excessively, illegal drugs etc.
Second, go attend the free lunch, it should not force you to buy anything. I rarely miss a free lunch seminar. And I rarely buy what they peddle at those free lunches.
It is your insurance company trying to reduce their ongoing bill with you.
This company likely provides some sort of “alternative therapy” that is cheaper than what you’re costing them now.
While you may not remember it, you signed a release when you signed up for your insurance that lets them share your info for “necessary medical purposes”.
It’s a mass mailing.
A rather sophisticated one, but it’s not nearly as personal as it appears.
There are any number of sources for people who have back problems, none of which violate HIPPA.
Purchases of various items over the internet, the use of your credit/debit card for any number of “key” purposes can get you on the list. Just being over a certain age can do it. Or someone very enterprising could be scanning parking lots for license plate numbers.
The “VIP” luncheon is a common marketing practice in the insurance, financial services and medical industries.
You are already on a number of lists.
If it hasn’t happened already, you will start receiving similar ads for “Free Seminars” and “Special Appointments” for your hearing, your retirement and as in this case common age related medical issues.
There’s no HIPPA law that some in depth market research can’t get around. In fact, it might even be random.
After a certain age close to 90% of the population experiences some form of back issue. The percentage has gotten this high for two reasons:
First, we’re living longer.
Second, we’re all a lot bigger than our grandparents were.
Back issues are inevitable.
If you decide to go to this luncheon, you will find a fairly large number of chairs set up - but not so many that they don’t have to “squeeze in” a few more to accommodate everyone. Then you will get a presentation that is a lot less personal than the invitation leads you to expect.
Could be a family member who “innocently” spilled the beans.
When one fills out medical forms, there’s a section which asks what ailments siblings and parents have. They want to know if something is hereditary.
I never fill out that part, just cross it out. I figure if I fill it out then I am breaking the privacy agreement my family members signed.
I also use a purple pen when filling out forms just in case something is added by the nurse or doctor...and I always ask for a copy of the paperwork AFTER the doctor has seen me.
No, though my wife says I look like Quasimodo.
Siri ratted you out. And that bitch lies too. You’re lucky it was just back pain, those blue pills I was talking about were vitamin supplements. Honest! I don’t know why my mailbox keeps filling up with ED meds...
In summery, It cannot be through prescriptions as none of the relate to back or nerve problems, All the practitioners I have felt with are is the same insurance/medical practice so I doubt they would have an axe to grind, though I could be wrong, It might be as many have suggested my research online, but I do not know how they would know my name and address (it is not learner). So I am left to wonder how this happened.
I must admit you have all been helpful, so while you did not resolve my dilemma, I will pay the balance tonight.
I do ask for more comments as I really want to figure out why so a direct mail came to me on a topic that is private.
And I ask JR to let all of you know the balance was paid.
Thanks for all your advice, keep it coming. Where are the lawyers?
Do you use Google? Chrome?
If you are taking a specialized medication for a specific issue, a pharma company may send an invitation to you to attend a presentation by medical specialists. You & spouse can go have a nice lunch and listen to presentation and ask questions. Usually you have had contact with the pharmaceutical company such as information & education, or financial assistance, help with cost of medication etc.
I did not scan the thread to see if this has already been
suggested but if not then contact the entity who sent
the invite. Ask them how they got your info without
revealing too much info about your case. Be friendly
and positive so you don’t alarm them. But be ready for
them to indicate in some way that their contact with
you is merely coincidental.
Funny! I do not let that broad near me except when I am driving and she knows ALL.
> Many people have low back and nerve pain. It sounds like they are sending this invitation to many people hoping enough people with low back and nerve pain will respond. <
You just might be right, Balata. Something like half of adults complain of back pain, at least now and then. So a mass mailing would reel in quite a few fish.
Learner, it might be a good idea to talk to a few of your neighbors. See if any of them also received the invitation.
See post # 20 from bk1000.
I totally concur with that answer.
Electronic Health Care records are digitized for many reasons. One being they are a commodity and are sold to many ‘partners’ (clearing houses/’research’ agencies/government databases, etc.) This is all legal and does not violate HIPAA. After all, you signed the HIPAA consent form saying they only share it with their partners, insurance, etc. before they would treat you. And you thought it was just something telling you how they protect your information. Of course, it also makes it harder for you and your family to find out anything in your records though.
This is the true answer. Now pay up to FR!!!
And a BIG THANK YOU for your FR Contributions.
I get robo calls for different medical stuff all the time.
Are you on Medicare?
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