Why does the doctor ask for the social security number?

I never really thought twice about this before, but I was filling out medical forms today for my daughter to see a specialist. I decided to leave the SSN blank because her Dad is taking her to the doctor (yay for him).

I'm glad her Dad will take her, but we haven't been together for over a decade and he is not to be trusted with that kind of info. He learned how to be a shady operator when his own mother used his social to run up bills.

Anyways, is he going to be able to bring her with out the SSN's? Her insurance is through me and provided by my employer.

Heather..there is a difference between being a bit shady and being an abuser.

NO SANE PERSON would ever use the SSN for medical records.

Insurance company ALL too often PAID FOR by ones EMPLOYER will use the SSN to build a data base on individuals and these data are open to almost everyone but yourself.

There have been searches on medical databases for age of menarche, number of sexual partners, age > 18 * a birth control Rx, surgery, device.

Until the medical privacy issue is made ironclad -- only the patient, her current doctor, and doctors authorized by her via an acknowledge agent may see the records without name or address. Treatment audits may only extract sex, age, diagnosis and status. No name, no ID. All Releases must be limited in time and any and all copies of medical information not controlled by the patient must be destroyed completely in less than 6 months from completion of treatment.

Remember only you can can control your privacy --- Just say no.

Note: HIPAA defaults so that LEO may see your records on the any pretext. HIPAA does not enforce privacy violation the burden is on you to find them then you demand redress.

Basicly to prevent people from doctor shopping.

IE:

Going to different doctors, for the same condition and getting perscriptions from each doctor.

It's because the doctor's office uses mass-produced forms sold by Staples or the AMA, and those forms contain boxes for seemingly endless pieces of information.

Doctors I've been to not only ask for SSN, but driver's license, employer name and address, next of kin, emergency contact, date of birth, place of birth, home address and phone...all sorts of completely irrelevant information. I leave everything blank except for home address and phone and emergency contact, and then give the receptionist my insurance card. Anything else is completely unnecessary. I've never been refused service.

He should not be able to access any records, but you can also ask the doctor's office to keep the info confidential. Cahnces are, however that he already know your daughter's ss number from other sources, like divorce decree, child support papers, old tax forms etc.

SSN is used today in the idea that it helps to verify that the You who is the getting med.Attn is the You paying the bills, but part of what is making ID theft possible and so common is the overuse of the SSN as an ID # for various organizations.

There was a time when every biz/Dr. would create a specific ID # for theor own records, but I think in mid 80's they started using SSN, since everyone is supposed to have one, and no 2 should have the same, where as if say Dr A and DR B merge practices, and team up, when they combine the records its possible that Patient X and Patient Y might both be filed as case 10, and this could cause problems if one were to accidnetally be treated for the others illness

It's so they can be secure in case you get "social".

I think it is so that if the bill is not paid, it is easier to go after you.
Do not give out your or your daughter's social security number to doctors. The insurance information should be enough. There is no reason to make that information so accessible to so many people who could misuse it to your detriment.

they ask to make sure you are who you say you are. To prevent medical fraud.

I never give mine out. I think the receptionist sell them to illegals.

I NY you need to include it in order to be seen by the doctor. It is a way the doctor's officer protects them self's, they need to know you are the one using the insurance card. There is a good chance they will not see your daughter if you do not include it. If you do not trust your ex with her ssn then you should not trust him with her

They want the number to verify who you are and just in case there is a balance left over. If you fail to pay it they can put it on your credit. I would leave it blank or write on there to call you directly for the number. I wouldn't fill it in for him to see.