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dnewton - 07 Nov 2006 17:51 GMT

I have an embarassing medical condition (genital wart) for which I
would like to get treatment. I'm more than willing to pay cash for
treatment, and my insurance company will not be involved. Still I am
quite concerned about this treatment info getting to my insurance
company, the MIB (Medical Information Bureau) etc. I don't want the
blanket release you sign when applying for insurance to risk
disclosure, either.

I had hoped to approach an out-of-town doctor that I've never visited
before, to supply a pseudonym (fake name), fake SSN, etc., but the
doctor's office wanted a copy of my driver's license.

Why would they require this? And is there any hope of remaining truly
anonymous through this process?

--DN

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Jeff - 08 Nov 2006 00:14 GMT

>I have an embarassing medical condition (genital wart) for which I
> would like to get treatment. I'm more than willing to pay cash for
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Why would they require this? And is there any hope of remaining truly
> anonymous through this process?

I would call the doctor's office, tell them that you are paying cash and
why. Don't give them a SSN (there is no need to give any doctor a SSN) or a
copy of your driver's license. Your driver's licinse (unless you are have
medical or visual problems that can interfer with driving) and SSN are none
of your doctor's business.

Jeff

> --DN

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Jeff - 09 Nov 2006 02:27 GMT

>>I have an embarassing medical condition (genital wart) for which I
>> would like to get treatment. I'm more than willing to pay cash for
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> Jeff

I should have added I won't give any doctor my SSN or driver's license,
regardless of who is paying. They can have my insurance number if I am
paying by insurance, but not the other numbers.

They don't have a right or need to get my SSN.

Although it is quite rare, if my SSN is stolen from the doctor's office, it
could lead to identity fraud.

Jeff

>> --DN

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Pete - 10 Nov 2006 01:55 GMT

>>> I have an embarassing medical condition (genital wart) for which I
>>> would like to get treatment. I'm more than willing to pay cash for
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
>
> Jeff

Jeff...I agree with you, but in the real world if you don't give a doctor's
office your social security number, they will not bill your insurance
company and you will have to pay up front and get reimbursed by you
submitting the paperwork yourself. I have asked this question before and
that is what I was told. The SSN is tied into a network somehow (or some
horseshit like that), and is required to do the billing electronically. I
live in Maryland - what state do you live in.

Pete

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