Doctors and SSNs

[debodun]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York

Can a doctor refuse to treat a prospective patient if the patient refuses to put down his/her Social Security number on medical forms? Why do they need this information, anyway?

 

[ecmst12]

The doctor can refuse to treat a patient for many reasons; that would be one of the many legal reasons. SSN is used to confirm identity especially with insurance companies. They may or may not refuse to treat you for declining to share your social; in many cases they will be ok with only the last 4 digits, but it depends on your insurance and the office's policies.

 

[Antigone*]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New York

Can a doctor refuse to treat a prospective patient if the patient refuses to put down his/her Social Security number on medical forms? Why do they need this information, anyway?

How are you paying for the doctor's visits?

 

[debodun]

My health insurance pays for all but $20 and I use a personal check to pay that.

 

[LdiJ]

My health insurance pays for all but $20 and I use a personal check to pay that.

There is a reasonable shot that your SSN is needed to process the insurance claim.

 

[ecmst12]

Having the SS is just good practice in case they get your insurance number wrong, or it changes, they have an alternate way to look you up. Also in case your check bounces or you end up owing them money, it's good for them to have it for collection purposes.

 

[Antigone*]

My health insurance pays for all but $20 and I use a personal check to pay that.

If you don't want to give up that information, become a cash-paying client.