|
I don't want the doctor to look in my mouth... how do I avoid it?
I think I'm getting a physical next week and I'm wondering if I can ask my doctor not to look in my mouth. I'm over 18, but my dad will probably want to go in to see the doctor with me. The problem is that I have scars in my mouth from a very stupid accident that I don't want my doctor or dad to know about. I've gotten care for it from my boyfriend's dad who is a doctor, so it's taken care of, but I'd be extremely ashamed for anybody to know about it. Can I call him and ask him not to look in my mouth? If so, will he ask any questions and how will I possibly answer them?
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Health?
Adviceman49 is correct. I agree with everything he stated. You are protected under HIPPA regulation and as a healthcare provider we must abide by patient confidentiality. I am a nurse in a hospital and our job is not to criticize you for whatever your injury may be. We are there to protect your information and provide you with the best care possibly to get you back to normal health. Since you are 18, you are protected under law and by no means does your parent have the right to receive any information without your consent. I suggest that you are up front and tell your doctor about your issues and your physical injuries in your mouth. You can even mention to your doctor or nurse that you do not wish to share this information with your parent. Either way it is important that you do have your doctor assess and examine your mouth. Believe it or not but even issues with your mouth can have secondary affects that can lead to more serious problems in the future such as not brushing correctly can lead to cardiac issues with the valves in your heart due to bacteria.
]
Lets start with the legal portion of this problem first.
You are 18 now, an adult under the law with all the rights and the protections the law grants adults. This means legally your father has no right to your medical information. Your medical information is confidential and cannot be released to anyone without your written permission.
This is guaranteed under a law known as HIPPA; the Health Information Personal Privacy Act. Even if your doctors visit is being paid for by dads health insurance coverage, he has no legal right to be in the exam room with you or to see your medical records. Your doctors(s) cannot release any medical information to him at all or face a 10 prison sentence and a fine of up to $5,000.
Under the law you could be in say an auto accident and be in the hospital ER. Unless you were able to tell the staff that you wanted certain people to know or be contacted, they cannot acknowledge that you are there or face the same penalty.
So with this knowledge you can tell your father to either stay home or wait in the waiting room. Your doctor will support you or even tell your dad he cannot be present during your examination.
As for whatever is or has happened in your mouth. Even though it has been attended to by a doctor, your doctor needs to know about this and make it part of your medical records. Your doctor will in no way chastise you or ridicule you for whatever caused whatever you are concerned about. I can assure you whatever it is the doctor has seen it all and you probably are not the worst or the person who has had the most stupid accident the doctor has ever seen.
]
You should NEVER hide anything from a doctor which could be detrimental to your health. At 18 you are legally an adult ad can see any doctor you want without parental knowledge or input. It's best to let them look.
They have seen everything no matter how embarrassing you think this is. Always be upfront about anything that will or can affect your health. Don't hide this. It would be a big mistake to do so. I don't know what kind of accident it was but it's in the past. Being honest about it is no big deal but hiding it most certainly is.
]
It is a good idea to inform your doctor about the incident incase it does becojme infected or worse in years later. Now your dad should not be in the room when you get a physical. it is against your rights. as well as the privatesy of the doctor patient, even if you are 18. 18 is the legal age. either way your doctor should know about it.
]
More Questions: |