I learned something from a guest today about privacy. He said that when those health-screening companies come to town, you don’t have to tell them everything they ask.
He was talking about LifeLine Screening and the other traveling shows that set up shop for a day in churches, then do screening for stroke, aneurysm, bone-density, cholesterol and the like.
He said they always ask for your health history and medicines you are taking, but you do not need to tell them. They are not your doctor, they don’t need to know that stuff. He said you just ask the clerk what is the minimum part of the form you can fill out, and she will tell you…no problemo!
He said they also have a HIPPA disclosure form. If you agree to it, they will give all your information and test results to some company who is free to pass it on to who-knows-who-else. He said that it’s perfectly OK to write “DECLINED” on the form, instead of a signature…the clerk really doesn’t care.
He even left his email address off the form…said that was there so they could spam you, not for your benefit.
It was an interesting discussion. Maybe we can sell his name and credit card number to an identity thief…NOT!
Tags: Health screening, Privacy
I understand your concern about the privacy of your health records, but would like to offer feedback to clarify why we gather this information and what your rights are with regards to your health record. First off, we ask for health history and medicines to obtain a better understanding of your current state of health. This allows Life Line Screening to provide you with the best care possible. In response to the HIPPA disclosure form, you can read our full privacy terms: http://www.lifelinescreening.com/Documents/HIPAA%20Privacy%20Notice_060330.pdf. The document will explain exactly what your health record can and cannot be used for, as well as your rights for this information. Lastly, in reply to the charge that Life Line Screening would spam through email, that is simply not the case. Life Line Screening uses email only for screening reminders and newsletter delivery, both of which provide additional benefit for an individual’s health. Our primary goal with email correspondence is to enhance your experience with Life Line Screening. If you have any other questions, visit the Life Line Screening website (http://www.lifelinescreening.com).