I de-lurked last year, a few months after dx, after reading here for
years on account of a family history of diabetes.  I got plenty of
good info then, and continue to absorb info as I read almost every
day, even though I quickly re-lurked.  My levels are under good
control now, but only after the addition of 2 mg glimepiride to the
max dose of Janumet on top of very low carb and exercise.  I had an
all-out argument with my previous doc about low carb and also about
the possibility of some cortisol issues given that exercise invariably
causes my BG to increase.  (Thanks once again Susan for suggesting I
look into that.)  Needless to say I moved on to a different doc who is
totally supportive of low carb and is open to exploring my cortisol
concerns.

But that’s not why I’m de-lurking again now.  Two months ago I was
informed that there would be no place for me with my present employer
once the project I’m working on comes to a close at the end of May.
The shock and panic from such news aside, at least I had all this time
to find a new job.  I had three great offers on the table and accepted
the one that provided an amazing opportunity to explore some research
techniques that are relatively underutilized in the US.

All good.  I had to go pee in a cup for a drug test and get a pre-
employment physical at the same time.  No big deal, it amounted to me
touching my toes and walking up and down the hall, and them weighing
me and listening to my heart and lungs.  No questions about overall
health or medications.

Then I received a packet of forms to fill out, which in itself is
nothing unusual.  But one of the forms is a detailed medical
questionnaire.  40-some yes or no questions about health problems, as
general as “do you ever get headaches?” to “do you have a history of
cancer, hepatitis, diabetes, heart disease, etc…?”  They want a list
of any and all medications taken in the past three years and the names
and contact info for all treating physicians for the past five years.
By signing the form it gives my permission for said physicians to
release my medical records to the company.

Oh, and failure to complete and sign the form will result in the job
offer being rescinded.

I called HR and expressed my concerns.  They said it would all be
confidential and that they needed it to make sure I was fit for the
position I was offered.  (Couldn’t they determine that through a more
extensive physical?)  They also referred me to their medical
department if I had any other questions.  I spoke with someone in that
department who told me that they needed the info to make sure I was
insurable.  (Then why no questions about some very expensive-to-treat
disorders, like MS and HIV/AIDS??  Also, I'm pretty sure group health
insurance doesn't work that way.)  A friend of mine has another theory
– that they want to protect themselves from a lawsuit in the future if
I happen to get sick from some unknown exposure at work.

Unfortunately, it’s perfectly legal for them to ask all these
questions after a conditional offer has been extended.  But I’m still
very VERY nervous about giving any such info, particularly given that
I do have health issues (but that don’t in any way affect my ability
to do the job).  Something about my employer knowing my medical
history just does not sit well with me.

So, what do all of you think about this form?

tia,
kat

There was a man in my diabetic group that had the same problem a year ago.
He was reluctant to tell them he was diabetic because he thought he wouldn't
get the job if he did. He researched it, like you did, and found that the
questionnaire was legal and they could withdraw his job offer if he refused
to sign. He told the truth about his diabetes and ended up getting the job.
He only worked there for 3 months and got a better offer, diabetes did not
matter to either employer. YMMV