Community Chat

[Kitlynn]

I agree that she shouldn't ask you loudly. However I do know they use date of birth to bring patients up in the computers because surprisingly enough they might have two patients with the same name. I only know this because I have ask our doctors office about it. Most of the time I wouldn't be concerned about someone hearing you because they are really only thinking about their own medical reason for being there. I do understand your concern though.

[Foxxee]

During a visit to someone in the hospital, that's all I heard was what is your birthdate for everything.

Finally, I said you people are really forgetful always asking what her birthdate is.  You were just in here a few minutes ago asking the same question.  Write it down.  

It really got to be ridiculous and not necessary when the same person keeps asking for a birthdate for everything they do for the same patient.  

I was told it was to make sure the wrong medication was not given to the patient.  OK, that's fair, but they were asking for everything.  

[Trinity11]

I have a lot of physicians. The staff all ask at the check in and I often overhear people's ages. Even at the pharmacy they ask. To tell you the truth, it really does not bother me...

[homedecor1]

That is standard question at my doctors offices both check-in & out.

No big deal  but of course, I'm not yelling it out across the room.

[BklynKinsey]

@Tinkrbl44   I've had similar experiences and I think you are right to be concerned.  On one occasion, I was in my doctor's waiting room.  The regular person at the desk wasn't in and someone else was doing the check-in.  I was seated a distance from the desk when this person shouts across the waiting room asking me personal info.  I stood up and walked up to the desk, asked her to lower her voice, and then whispered the answers to the questions.  She was totally incompetent and luckily was not there again.  Also,  at my CVS when I pick up prescriptions they always ask for date of birth.  This is in a wide open area with other customers waiting close by.  I now carry a piece of paper in my purse with my DOB and hold it up so they can see.  I think this is all a lack of training, courtesy and sensitivity.

[occasionalrain]

@gizmogal 

Writing it may work, but likely this person will just read it out loud, loudly. I wouldn't like being expected to announce private information publicly. If that happened to me, I'd lodge a complaint with my insurance provider as well as with the office manager. There are other identifying responses that could be used. A code word perhaps.

[Mz iMac]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

On the other hand, its very rude to expect people to shout sensitive information to someone 12 ft away.  I would have told her, " come here and I'll tell you".

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[gidgetgh]

There are many things in this world that bother me.  This isn't one of them..

My doctors always ask for DOB as does CVS.  I don't care if anyone hears my reply.  Date of birth alone doesn't tell anyone anything. 

[occasionalrain]

Date of birth is personal information, no matter if it can be of use to another or not. Other than when my correct birth date has to be disclosed, like insurance, government agencies, I never disclose my actual birth date, and not the same one everytime. If it identifies you in a doctors office, it identifies you in general.

[mspatmac]

I show my drivers license if asked in an open area.  Some of these people are impressed with their own perceived  importance.