Booted by the ped and they notified Insurance

[JillianJ]

Our pediatrician sent a letter to all the families in their practice who weren't vaccinating. Behind closed doors this doctor was pretty candid with me, but she said they decided as an office to adopt this policy. Actually I think she started it.

Anyway, the letter mentioned how she spoke to me about vaxes and told me how important they were, yadda yadda yadda, (never mentioned her disclosures) and this is okay except at the end it states that "A copy of this letter has been sent to your insurance company." I am livid. Isn't this betraying the patient/doctor confidentiality agreement???? I called 2 attorneys from another state who said that it does. So between this and the hep B given at the hospital, it has not been a good week for me. !!

Anyone else have this experience? Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Jillian

You can take the Hippocratic Oath and still be a hypocrite!!!

[thepeach80]

AJ has Medicaid so I don't know how that differs from private insurance but our FP did the same thing basically. We refused to vax at his 4 mos appt so he refused to see us anymore. Before I could even get a new DR (we were going out of town) he had sent a letter to the insurance telling them why he wouldn't be seeing us anymore and that we didn't have a DR. If you feel she can't be trusted, get a new DR. You need someone you can feel confident in. You are just having a rough time latelt. Good luck!

[pilesoflaundry]

The hippa act is confusing as heck but I know my doc just loves it. When I was griping about it, he said it gives docs and patients better protection because if a patient just grabs their records and does some reading themselves they can get scared that something is wrong when it's not if they misinterpret info. I see it another way but I'm pretty cynical when it comes to docs after my experieneces.

Anyway it does seem like it might violate the privacy policy but if you signed anything that states the doc can release your info to any party that needs it (ie insurance) then they might just be in the right unfortunatly. A lawyer knows more than I do though so if they said it's wrong than it probably is! How's that for sooo not helpful?? :LOL

I don't know what my new ped is gonna say when we meet him (at least I think it's a guy..) but my last ped was ok with it, she didn't report us or refuse to see us so I have no experience.

[polka123]

I would talk to an Atty & I'd be friggin' furious to say the least !!!!!!!!

[JillianJ]

I didnt....

sign the paper! I purposely didn't the last time we were there for a visit. I did contact an attorney today who agreed with the breach, but basically said there's nothing I can do unless I want to shell out $16,000 to start a lawsuit.

I hope that what goes around comes around and some how she sees the light.

Jillian

[Gitti]

Would you be willing to call her and tell her that you believe this is breach of doctor/patient confidentiality?

See what she says. She might think you signed the paper. Tell her you didn't and you are considering calling a lawyer.

I just want her to get a little worried. I would love for her to lose some sleep over this. That b....

[applejuice]

ITA with the above posters.

I want to add that I believe that a doctor cannot do this as it constitutes abandonment of patient.

I do believe that a physician ethics precludes them from doing this.

After all, you need to consent to the vaccinations do you not?

You are given the package inserts, or you are supposed to be given the package inserts, read them, the risks/benefits and sign for permission, as I understand it. :

Perhaps it is time for everyone to start investigating chiropractors, naturopaths and homeopaths even if your insurance does not cover it.

[menudo]

FYI: Sometime back I posted a link to new CDC pamphlets (for Docs) regarding vaccinations and parents who refuse. One in particular told Doctors NOT TO DENY care or kick these patients out of the practice, etc. It'd be a great edition (due to the source) to anything you say/give to this weenie.

My system is SLOW now, but when it speeds up I'll track the pamphlet down!!

[Marni]

That is HORRIBLE. I really do hope you'll follow up with this doc and scare her a little. If for no other reason than to maybe help out a future non-vaxer who isn't as informed as you and who may actually be bullied into vaxing because of this doc's ignorant and illegal actions.

[Mommy To Baby Roni]

I believe that was the AAP who recommends keeping non-vaxing patients in practice. They have suggestions to dr's on the website.

I just don't understand what dr's think they will benefit from this? Is this an attempt to throw their weight around? I just don't get it.

[ebensmama]

Originally Posted by Mommy To Baby Roni

I believe that was the AAP who recommends keeping non-vaxing patients in practice. They have suggestions to dr's on the website.

I just don't understand what dr's think they will benefit from this? Is this an attempt to throw their weight around? I just don't get it.

I read somewhere (I forget where. If I find it, I'll post a link!) that there is some kind of financial kickback that ped. practices receive if they have a certain percentage of vax'd patients. Kicking out patients who are not receiving immunizations would ensure a 100% vax rate and thus, some extra cash in the docs' pockets.

edited to add this link: http://www.managedcaremag.com/archiv....vaccine.shtml
You have to scroll to the part in bold that says Physician and office staff education. The last bulleted point in that list says "Use financial incentives to encourage physicians to supply more complete data and/or meet immunization targets " The whole article is pretty telling though! It drones on and on about the importance of vaccination and getting the vax rate up to 90%...and at the top of the article, highlighted in blue, there's a note: "This article is underwritten by an educational grant from SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals Inc."

[ctdoula]

I'm sorry this has happened. I just wanted to comment that you doctor probably already has your permission to share information with your insurance company. You signed a release when you began care. That's how the insurance company pays for the treatment, KWIM? You sign those forms anytime you see a new doc, go to the hospital, have tests, etc. It basically says they can share info w/the ins. co.

[DesireeH]

Ugh! How stupid! Why do these people get their panties in a bunch because a few of us choose not to vax?! I dont get it and I never will. They need to get over it. I think they do not like the fact that we are knowledgeable and think for ourselves and dont blindly trust them. Its a power trip. I would definately call her and tell her whats up regarding her telling the insurance company!

[turquoise]

Man that really stinks. I hope they feel like they've accomplished something to rid the world of non-vaxers who keep tampering with their herd immunity.

I'm sorry, you had to go through this!