topic Re: Medical information vs. privacy in Wellness

Medical information vs. privacy

Carmie — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 19:56:39 GMT

About two weeks ago, I went for a routine GYN exam. That last exam I had was 10 years ago and I needed to go to a new doctor because my doctor retired

Before the examination date, I was sent a medical form to fill out and bring to my appointment.

The form had the normal routine questions about my medical history, pregnancy and childbirth, etc, but there were a few very personal questions that I did not want to answer so I didn’t and left them blank. I don’t think the questions or my answers had anything to do with my care and were private.

My exam went well and there were no problems. I was given a clean bill of health. The doctor was professional.

Well today, I received a call from someone in the office. She said she needed more information from me for their “system.” I asked her what she needed and she wanted the answers to the questions I left blank on the form. I told her “ No” I think she was surprised and asked me why I was not being cooperative. I asked her why she needed the answers. She said for our “ system.”

So, I told her that I wasn’t interested in their system and only would answer questions pertaining to my health. She was pushy, but I didn’t’ give in. I told her that I had a right to privacy and I wanted to exercise that right. She finally gave up and ended the call.

Now, I am 63 years old and have been married for almost 45 years. The questions that I refused to answer had to do with what gender I was attracted to and if I was ever interested in trying ? and ? which would have to include others joining us in our bedroom.

The form did not ask if I participated in risky behavior, which would have been a question needed for medical care. It asked if I was interested in alternative relationships and certain practices that are considered kinky, but normal for some adventurous people.

Would you have answered the questions? Have you even seen these types of questions on a standard form for a GYN visit?

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

NycVixen — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:00:00 GMT

I would never answer that. I'm also not into giving more information than necessary. Those questions sound like prying and if it's being collected for reasons that aren't medical in nature.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

Meowingkitty — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:01:20 GMT

I’m with you. Those questions are none of their business. Those don’t pertain to your health. I’ve left questions unanswered and no doctor has ever demanded and answer.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

RespectLife — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:05:49 GMT

Oh my gosh @Carmie

Those are the most inappropriate questions I have ever heard of! I can't believe they followed up with a phone call to get that info!

I would have refused as well.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

Bri36 — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:07:29 GMT

I wouldn't have answered those questions either.

I have no problem not answering certain questions. If someone refuses their care for me, I will find someone else.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

ALRATIBA — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:16:40 GMT

@Carmie... weird questions!

I went to a new doctor last week ... went through the usual questions on smoking, drinking, allergies, drug reactions ... (things that would impact my health) .... that was it.

NO WAY I'd have answered the questions they asked you ... and would start looking around for another doctor.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

I am still oxox — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:16:57 GMT

They sound like lifestyle questions, I would of answered them with out the bat of an eyelash

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

Carmie — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:25:01 GMT

@I am still oxox wrote:
They sound like lifestyle questions, I would of answered them with out the bat of an eyelash

Yes, you’re right. They were lifestyle questions now that you mentioned it. Why do you think they want to know?

They didn’t ask if I practiced any of this, just wanted to know if i was interested. Do you think they wanted women to audition for something? I can’t figure it out.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

QueenDanceALot — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:26:09 GMT

I doubt that I'd even see a doctor who asked questions like this.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

sidsmom — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:28:45 GMT

That would be enough for me to change doctors....IMO.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

NickNack — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:33:35 GMT

Wow! It's amazing that a doctor would ask those questions. I would have answered them, but would have been shocked that they asked them. I did leave out an answer on one of the forms one time, and they asked me for the answer. I didn't see how it pertained to anything they needed, but I answered. I think you had a perfect right to refuse, though and can't believe they would call you to ask. I would think she could have just put "refused" or "did not answer" for her "system."

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

kitcat51 — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:39:16 GMT

No, I only provide the info I want. I was surprised several years ago when out of the blue my Drs office asked for their new electronic files if I had any weapons in my home & wanted info on family members health, income, education & lifestyles...I let them know exactly how I felt about that & they didn't ask again. I'm sure that electronic file shows to whoever in whatever department it's being shared with that I don't cooperate....good for me.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

Carmie — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:39:33 GMT

I got an e-mail asking for me to review the doctor and the office staff. I ignored it. Maybe I need to fill it out and express my concern over these questions.

The doctor was professional and there are about 8 OB/GYN’s in that practice. I am sure that form is sent to all of their,clients. Maybe younger women are more comfortable than I am answering questions that are none of their business IMO.

My DH said I should have embellished the answers to give them something to talk about.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

I am still oxox — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:40:16 GMT

@Carmie

Actually a GYN would need to know about your Sxxul behavior and your lifestyle

@Carmie wrote:
@I am still oxox wrote:
They sound like lifestyle questions, I would of answered them with out the bat of an eyelash
Yes, you’re right. They were lifestyle questions now that you mentioned it. Why do you think they want to know?

They didn’t ask if I practiced any of this, just wanted to know if i was interested. Do you think they wanted women to audition for something? I can’t figure it out.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

SilleeMee — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 21:21:41 GMT

Orientation and multiple partners is sort of their business. It gives them an idea how to treat current or new conditions related to your female health parts. I simply state that I am monogamous and leave it at that.

ETA - Giving your gyn personal info about your lifestyle background is often helpful for them to establish a basic understanding of some of the health-related things that could possibly come up and it gives them a way to pinpoint a possible outbreak, epidemiology of a reportable STD, required by law. Not saying that you have one but the 'lifetyle' part of the questionnaire is helpful for their reporting of one and how it is handled as far as public health.

@Carmie

People don't always tell the truth when it comes to revealing lifestyle choices.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

Carmie — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:46:14 GMT

@I am still oxox wrote:
@Carmie

Actually a GYN would need to know about your Sxxul behavior and your lifestyle

@Carmie wrote:
@I am still oxox wrote:
They sound like lifestyle questions, I would of answered them with out the bat of an eyelash
Yes, you’re right. They were lifestyle questions now that you mentioned it. Why do you think they want to know?

They didn’t ask if I practiced any of this, just wanted to know if i was interested. Do you think they wanted women to audition for something? I can’t figure it out.

I agree, but the questions had nothing to do with that. They did not ask if I participated in a risky lifestyle.

Only wanted to know if this type of lifestyle was interesting to me and what gender/s I was attracted to.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

IMW — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:57:12 GMT

I would not answer those questions, I try not to give even my ss#.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

Snoopp — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 21:01:18 GMT

That sounds so inappropriate. And saying they need it for their "system" doesn't really answer anything.

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

Carmie — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 21:05:17 GMT

@IMW wrote:
I would not answer those questions, I try not to give even my ss#.

I only give out my last four numbers when asked for a SS number. xxx-xx-1234. I

Re: Medical information vs. privacy

Lilysmom — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 21:07:22 GMT

@Carmie, I would be immediately looking for another doctor and I would communicate the reason clearly to that practice. Don’t rely on the front office staff to pass along the message. In fact, I wonder if these questions are a breach of ethics. Depending on how upset I was, I would consider reporting that to the medical society or its equivalent in your area. LM