If I were to go to my GP and say "I'm a hooker," would this get recorded in my medical files?

Who would future doctors have access to this? Would future doctors have access to this? Or other doctors at the same practice?

** Same question for therapists.**

Thanks!

And not looking to blow up a sincere and serious thread here but....my 1st thought was "Elaine" on Seinfeld being labelled a "problem patient".



Related to your question, I have an "open order" for STD testing at the lab which I get done every six weeks, I would obviously prefer that not follow me after I leave the hobby so will be watching replies with interest.  If nothing else, I would think you have the right to have it removed at your request in the case of private insurance.  

Although with Obamacare and the move toward a single-provider network, and the related algorithms they will be using to determine who gets treatment and who doesn't based upon medical history (risk factors)....who knows.  I sincerly doubt ANYTHING will ever leave THOSE files.





-- Modified on 2/27/2013 8:32:20 AM

Most of them are specialists.  But honestly, if I was a ho (and I am), I wouldn't tell it to my Doc.

forever.

I go to a clinic where I can get tested anonymously, for cash.

My insurance rates are ridiculous enough, without anything "flagged" on my records that they feel could inflate their risk on me.

Whatever you list as employment is accessed by many people in the hospital..docs, nurses, medical assistants, etc. Anyone entering your info from a paper copy to a computer, will certainly see it. Because of HIPAA, they can't go telling everyone, but gimme a break. People talk. If some nurse recognizes you at a restaurant, I doubt she is not going to go blabbing to her drunk friends about "that hooker at the corner table."

The clinics operate differently in that you don't even have to give your real name for STD testing...at least not here, you don't. If you're worried, just put "student" or "unemployed." It is none of their business where you work.

-- Modified on 2/27/2013 8:43:59 AM

If you give your physician information that he records in your chart, someone can ultimately find out about it. There are Federal and State laws designed to protect patient confidentiality, but circumstances can create exceptions making even the most sensitive medical information discoverable.  You may have even less protection with a therapist who is not a licensed physician and who is not employed by a licensed physician.

It's the law it protects them from lawsuit.  EXAMPLE:In the event someone else comes to that
Dr and says I was with XYZ sex worker before I had this infection . Dr says you must notify everyone you have been with in the last year. If the Dr failed to document that XYZ admitted she was a sex worker and the john winds up with a life threatening illness the Dr can lose his license to practice and be held responsible with some hefty fines jailtime too for not documenting what was told to him . XYZ provider can lie and say she never told the Dr such a thing and the sad part is
the infected john would never be able to proove where he got his illness from .And
the XYZ  sex worker can also be mentally ill and keep spreading disease . Of course a Dr can make
a late entry in a medical record of what you told him . But if he finds out that XYZ has a life threatening illness that is contagious  he would notify you and document .

Angela

About that. If you'd like to say something to let them know you need extra testing, say that you and your partner swing, or just say you're promiscuous.

But I'm with others about finding an anonymous clinic for that purpose and pay cash.

A therapist in private practice will not share your disclosure about being a sex worker with another therapist without getting your permission to discuss your case first.

However, in large managed care facilities, there are often fewer protections in general for the confidentiality of information which is being shared within the managed care system itself.

I would suggest that with any therapist you see, you ask any questions about confidentiality that you may have.

What you don't tell you DR. is less info he has to figure out what's ailing you.

I have had the same OB/GYN since I was 15. I get tested every 2-3 months, & she does not openly know what I do. She at one point asked why I come in so frequently, & I just said I was paranoid, & just want to make sure. She never asked again. I wouldn't tell them anything.. if anything at all, if they ever ask why the frequent testing, you could always say you are promiscuous, or as others have said, that you & your SO are swingers.

I thought this thread would have been a bit moore controversial than it has been to this point.   If I am was a hooker (I'm not),  I would find a way to get frequent testing For STDs (monthly), but without tipping off the office for the precise reasons.   Though the office is bound by confidentiality, remember it is run by humans, which translates into far too many ways to get exposed.   (For example, something as simple as described in London's post).  

Even if your doctor's office has electronic medical records, don't be fooled in thinking that such a juicy tidbit isn't going to just sit out in the electronic record.  Nope, this one is interesting enough to share with one's co-workers, HIPAA regulations not withstanding.

On the other hand, a therapist may be an entirely different story.  Many are in solo practice, and even if they use a scheduler or biller,  these individuals may not have access to sensitive information.  So your ability to confide in a lot therapist might be quite reasonable.

I agree.   Some doctors would put provider's profession in the chart.  You never know who will peek in the chart.  Keep in mind that many charts are electronic now.   Although, the computer keeps track of who attempts to access the chart.   Anybody can see the chart if they work in billing or need information for patient care.  Most doctors will be more discreet and not mention a provider's profession.  The truth is that you do not have to reveal that you are a provider to get STD labs.   You simply have to say that you have a new partner and want to get checked out.

Meaning that's between YOU and the doctor in question.  No one else.

depending on the size of the facility. Even interns who are not even getting paid have access to private records. We are often told to retrieve and input information, so your record of past history is right there when we pull up your file.

I guess I read it as "future doctors" being if he changed physicians.  My new physician has no access to records from my previous physician.

As for doctors at the same practice...yes, I see your point.