The Fine Print at the Doctor's Office

G

GoodEnuff

Senior Member
Yesterday, went to the clinic and as usual was handed a form to complete that had several short paragraphs of fine print above the signature line. This time, it looked different so instead of just doing a quick scan, I actually read it. One sentence had a word (which I have forgotten) that I didn't understand in that context so I asked the desk clerk what that meant. She said the computers in the exam rooms transcribed and entered everything said into the computer so the NP/MD/Nurse Assistant didn't have to sit there and type in all the info.

My response was, "So everything said is documented?" "Yes." I said, "So there is no privacy?" She didn't respond.

I will be more careful in conversations with the NP in the future.

In addition to that, read the HIPPA info. Yes, your care is shared between doctors, hospitals, etc. Okay. It is also shared between insurance companies. Okay, sort of. But there is an intermediary company where that info is shared and that intermediary company is the one distributing that info. Think about that...
 

Since everything you say is documented, it really does not matter of the NP or "the computers" do that.
"The computers" are more than likely more accurate in their transcribing.
 

My PCP has a secretarial assistant or scribe that sits in on my exams, with my permission, and also has some sort of Siri like virtual assistant that captures everything.

It doesn’t bother me, I have nothing to hide or be embarrassed about.

It may also benefit me at some point if a dispute over my PCP’s ability or behavior ever comes into question.
 
I have felt concern about conversations I have with my doctor and / or his assistant regarding psychological and anxiety issues.

Years ago, I was prescribed a certain anti-depressant and soon after, I received a letter from my insurance company advising me that counseling might be a better alternative, and they attached resources.

Receiving a letter from an insurance company advising on clinical treatment alternatives felt like an overreach into a private doctor-patient relationship.
 
MACKTEXAS said:
Years ago, I was prescribed a certain anti-depressant and soon after, I received a letter from my insurance company advising me that counseling might be a better alternative, and they attached resources.

Receiving a letter from an insurance company advising on clinical treatment alternatives felt like an overreach into a private doctor-patient relationship.
Click to expand...
Months ago, I, too received my insurance company which stated one of medications(good, but strong pain killer) to get OTC meds. instead. The reason attached was not for daily rx'ed med. Rather I listened to my doctor, not Insurance Company since my doctor knows my current medical condition.
I never hospitalized, just rx'ed meds which must not burden to my insurance company.
 
GoodEnuff said:
Yesterday, went to the clinic and as usual was handed a form to complete that had several short paragraphs of fine print above the signature line. This time, it looked different so instead of just doing a quick scan, I actually read it. One sentence had a word (which I have forgotten) that I didn't understand in that context so I asked the desk clerk what that meant. She said the computers in the exam rooms transcribed and entered everything said into the computer so the NP/MD/Nurse Assistant didn't have to sit there and type in all the info.

My response was, "So everything said is documented?" "Yes." I said, "So there is no privacy?" She didn't respond.

I will be more careful in conversations with the NP in the future.

In addition to that, read the HIPPA info. Yes, your care is shared between doctors, hospitals, etc. Okay. It is also shared between insurance companies. Okay, sort of. But there is an intermediary company where that info is shared and that intermediary company is the one distributing that info. Think about that...
Click to expand...
There never was any privacy concerning your information. If somebody needs to know it, they get it. This is true about the medical industry and the internet. There are no laws preventing the exchange of information. If you can prove damages resulting from the exchange of information, then it's up to you to file a civil suit and attempt to receive compensation.

The only reason there are privacy policies in print is because they hired a lawyer and he's laying the groundwork for any future law suits.
 
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Privacy is very important to me and health info can and is misunderstood by other doctors and med staff. Everything I say to my doctors is reiterated and in my records. This is for insurance companies and lawyers in liability issues, and Medicare. I resent it. We are all birthdate numbers in the system.
 
I have to sign papers to agree to this kind of stuff. I read them and cross out whatever I don't agree with. If it's everything, I don't sign it. Yes, I am a PITA and frankly, I don't care.
 

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