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So right now you if you bring your kid in for an ear infection, you're asked if you own a gun? To what end? And if you lie and say no...are you committing some kind of crime? This is confusing.

I think the first reponse to such a question should be "Beg pardon?"

Then if they repeat the question, ask how this could have any possible relevance to the current medical situation.

If they come back with some nonsense about their being concerned for childrens' safety, just look at them like they're an idiot (a response that should be coming up naturally) until they more onto another question.

Prompt them with "Are there any relevant questions you'd like to ask?" if necessary.

So right now you if you bring your kid in for an ear infection, you're asked if you own a gun? To what end? And if you lie and say no...are you committing some kind of crime? This is confusing.

My sister and her 12 year old son recently moved into my home after her recent divorce. Her son came down with an ear infection and had to go to the Dr and because I was off that day, I took him to see the DR. Within three minutes I got the gun questions. Do you have guns in your home? How many guns do you have? How are they stored? Do they have gunlocks on them?

So right now you if you bring your kid in for an ear infection, you're asked if you own a gun? To what end? And if you lie and say no...are you committing some kind of crime?

My son has born with apnea, and was in the NICU for several days. Hubby and I opted out of circumcision because we felt he had been through enough in his first few days. Fast forward to 2 years old, and he is showing signs of being Autistic, and I cannot "clean" him properly, I took him to the pediatrician and the dr asked me "Do you smoke?" What? like smoking would give him an infection on his willie? I never saw that doctor again, and complained to the senior doctor in the practice about the comment. We did have to have him circumcised a few months later, because dealing with his disability was too difficult.

My son didn't mind, he just kept asking everyone if they wanted to see his boo-boo :)

Asking about what goes on in the house, to me, if put in proper context is acceptable. First visit or a yearly checkup type of visit. In my story, I was offended because I felt the doctor was accusing me of giving my son an infection solely on the fact I smoke.

I was asked this question several years ago for a routine pediatric visit. In front of my children I calmly and sweetly replied that if she would like to talk about my views of the second amendment we could do so over a cup of coffee, but today could she just practice medicine. I was never asked that question again.

I always lie on these stupid forms. Last time they handed me one I said to her, "You know I always lie on these things." She just smiled at me.

So, no, no guns in my house and I *always* wear a bicycle helmet.

re: And if you lie and say no...are you committing some kind of crime?)))

No, unless you're trying to get certain medications prescribed to you or otherwise defraud or mislead to a criminal act. Then it's both a crime and a tort. You're not under oath, but not all lies are OK.

I'd be glad to see this busybody practice (what is it about the Pediatrics Associations?) abandoned.

And most docs don't like having to do it--the Associations decide what "standard of care" is and who "deviates from standard practice." Then you might lack a good-faith defense in court. Docs are as likely as any conservative to own guns or belong to the NRA.

But Associations are often made up of people who don't want the bother of treating patients.