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How do I ask to see a gynecologist?
I've got some concerns about my health, um, down there, and I want to go see a gynecologist. I recently turned 18, but I am still under my parents' health insurance.
Up until recently I've been going to a pediatrician. For my next check up, I need to find a new doctor - but I don't know when that will be.
I just don't feel comfortable asking my mom to make me an appointment with a gynecologist. Usually, you start going to those when you are sexually active, and I don't want my mom to think that I am. Even though I'm legally an adult, I'm still her kid, and it would still freak her out to think that I'm having sex. I'm actually not sexually active currently, but I have been in the past, and if I do have some sort of infection down there, I'll be prescribed medication, and she'll know about it (like I said, I'm under my parents' insurance).
The college I'm going to has a pretty crappy health service, so there's no way I can see anyone about my little problem there.
What do I do?
Thank you :)
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Want to answer more questions in the Relationships category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Families?
You are 18 now; legally an adult. Your parents no longer have any control or right to know anything about you medical information. This is the law.
Your doctors can no longer speak to your parents about anything concerning your health and medical needs or visits without your expressed written permission. In fact mom can no longer be with you in an exam room, without your permission. Your parents cannot make a doctors appointment for you or force you to see a doctor.
The fact that you are still covered under their medical insurance does not give your parents any rights to know anything about your medical information. What they will receive since you are on their insurance is called an EOB, an Explanation of Benefits, they receive this in the mail. All this will show is you saw a particular doctor on a certain date and the insurance company paid that doctor a certain amount.
I suggest you do the following. First you need to get a copy of your parents insurance card, which you need to have with you at all times now anyway. Call the insurance company and they will send you one. You can probably do this online with most insurance companies.
You can also look up online for a Gynecologist in your area who accepts your parents health insurance. Blue Cross Blue Shield is the most popular insurance and accepted by most all doctors. Make sure you know the type of insurance you have. If you have EPO or PPO type you can see any doctor that accepts their insurance.
If you have HMO insurance you must first choose a family doctor and visit that doctor to request a referral to see the Gynecologist. With HMO coverage you usually do not have a co-pay and the family doctor is called the gatekeeper. This doctor receives a monthly fee for every patient registered to that practice whether they see that patient or not or how many times they see that patient. This doctor is responsible for you medical care and makes all decisions as to what specialist you can see. This is why it is important to know the type of coverage you have and should be printed on your health insurance card.
As for medications. If you have prescription medication benefits what is true for the doctors visits are true for the pharmacy as well. Any prescription filled is none of your parents business. Here again you are legally an adult now and the pharmacist will no longer tell them anything about any medication you receive. Just make sure to tell the pharmacy you use you are 18 now.
The medications a GYN may prescribe for an infection are no different than your other doctors would prescribe for an infection. An antibiotic works just as well down there as it would for a throat infection. So mom could not tell just from knowing the medication.
What does this all come to? You are now in-charge of your on medical well being. Your parents, even if they are the holders of your insurance, have no say and they can no longer receive any information concerning your medical condition. As long as you are conscious,alert and able to speak for yourself; a federal law called HIPPA, Health Information Personal Privacy act, guarantees this.
If you have any question and I'm sure you will as this is a lot to digest. Call the customer service line for your insurance company. They will be happy to answer your questions and help you chose doctors to care for you medical needs as long as you are covered by them.
Note: Since you are now 18 you are also entitled to a sex life if you want one. Your parents have no say in the matter. When you visit your GYN consider asking for birth control medication.
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