You put "N/A" for your signature on the HIPAA form?
Amazing.
As far as using the SSN as an identifier, when it's health care, I give it.
It's always easier to go with the flow.
Reason being, in my state there is another couple with our names born the same year we were. How do I know? I've gotten her prescription records by accident, when I requested mine from the chain pharmacy. She's one sick kitty. I am not. ;-D
Well, all I can tell you is that if I was in that situation -- and I'm not (nor are most people) -- I'd take whatever legal steps necessary to ensure that it was NOT an ongoing issue. WITHOUT giving up my SSN.
Yes, I have on occasion had to pay an attorney to get the bastards to back off (my electricity utility threatened to cut me off if I didn't hand over my SSN. My g'd'mn UTILITY!) It was a small price to pay to keep my electricity AND my privacy.
I take these matters seriously. Unfortunately, most don't, which only makes it harder for the rest of us, and, helps guide the country further down the river.
Don Joe, you are getting weird on me, FRiend. You do it your way, I'll do it mine. Okay?