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I have seen this topic come up a number of times and wonder if anyone on the board has some professional or legal insight into this issue.
Basically, there is some concern that if you tell your doc you are using AAS, that it will end up in your chart and that this could cause problems later with your insurance company. I personally tell my doc everything and I knopw it goes in my chart. Here is why I don't think I have to worry:
1. The new HIPPA regulations would prevent my doc or any staff member from sharing this information with any entity unless I give my express permission. Most of you may know that your doc will require you to sign a form when you first seem him that allows him to release this information to my insurance company for reimbursement purposes. Most docs will not see you unless you sign this form or pay cash.
2. Insurance companies cannot share any medical information with your employer or other insurance carrier.
3. Insurance companies are VERY unlikely to pull a whole chart to see what drug history you might have. They reimburse off of ICD-9 codes which show diagnosis and treatment.
4. There is a slim chance that if you were undergoing a major procedure they would pull your chart, and this is the only circumstance where you might be concerned if they saw your AAS use.
However, I doubt they could deny coverage. They don't deny lung cancer treatment for smokers. Smoking is not illegal, but what if you were injured while speeding or robbing a bank. These activities are illegal, and they could argue if you hadn't been breaking the law that you would not have sustained the injury. I can't believe they would deny coverage for those reasons.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? I think if everyone felt their information was safe and disclosing to your doc would not have any negative rammifications, then a lot more guys would get the blood work they need.
Peace.
Basically, there is some concern that if you tell your doc you are using AAS, that it will end up in your chart and that this could cause problems later with your insurance company. I personally tell my doc everything and I knopw it goes in my chart. Here is why I don't think I have to worry:
1. The new HIPPA regulations would prevent my doc or any staff member from sharing this information with any entity unless I give my express permission. Most of you may know that your doc will require you to sign a form when you first seem him that allows him to release this information to my insurance company for reimbursement purposes. Most docs will not see you unless you sign this form or pay cash.
2. Insurance companies cannot share any medical information with your employer or other insurance carrier.
3. Insurance companies are VERY unlikely to pull a whole chart to see what drug history you might have. They reimburse off of ICD-9 codes which show diagnosis and treatment.
4. There is a slim chance that if you were undergoing a major procedure they would pull your chart, and this is the only circumstance where you might be concerned if they saw your AAS use.
However, I doubt they could deny coverage. They don't deny lung cancer treatment for smokers. Smoking is not illegal, but what if you were injured while speeding or robbing a bank. These activities are illegal, and they could argue if you hadn't been breaking the law that you would not have sustained the injury. I can't believe they would deny coverage for those reasons.
Anyone have any thoughts on this? I think if everyone felt their information was safe and disclosing to your doc would not have any negative rammifications, then a lot more guys would get the blood work they need.
Peace.
