Anoying doctor's visit

[lrrifleman]

Perhaps this issue has been addressed here before, but I had not seen it.

Yesterday I saw my GP for my quarterly follow-up. (I have a number of post-accident issues that he wants to keep on top of.) Apparently, my health insurance company has instituted a survey program for Medicare recipients. Personally, I found these questions objectionable and offensive, they ranged from a test of my memory to whether or not I had thoughts about harming myself.

When I shared my feelings, he agreed and stated that it was only the beginning. He anticipates further surveys to follow and become more invasive. If it weren't for the fact that I need a number of medications on a daily basis, I would stop seeing my doctor.

I have a feeling that the health insurance industry is preparing to build a case for red flag injunctions against their policy holders. Am I being paranoid?

 

[jejb]

So what happens if you don't answer the questions? I know a few years back, some doctor went through some questions at my yearly exam, asking about guns in the house, that kind of thing. I flat refused to answer any of them. He said it was something being pushed on them, but not by my insurance company. And he had no issue with me not answering them.

 

[brick]

When I went to the doctor after I hit 65, I was told the survey was a Medicare requirement. But then I am old (according to my children). What do I know.

 

[nachogrande]

ANNOYING PERHAPS, "OBJECTIONABLE/OFFENSIVE" NOT SO MUCH.

You will really hate your next colonoscopy or DRE (the one performed by Dr jelly finger), now that's objectionable! The ?'s you mentioned are standard boilerplate type questions designed to give an overall baseline of many systems to know where you stand now & can be compared to how you may be in the future, used in many/most admissions to hospitals/homecare/rehab/etc. Too offensive to you, DON'T answer them. NO LOVE for the insurance companies & it would not surprise me one bit if they found a way to make $ or deny services with them. I just got mine when going to a new MD. They keep getting older & retiring, those bastages.

 

[Rpg]

I've been on Medicare for 4 years now and see my doc every 3 months.

He's never asked me to complete a survey.

Of course, he's a personal friend.

I taught him to shoot his new OU shotguns last summer, took him bird hunting for the first time last year and helped him get his CCW.

 

[jimbo728]

Around here it is referred to as a "wellness check". Many invasive questions with questionable interpretations likely. I too have refused to answer the guns in home question. It is my understanding that the VA is even scarier. I try my best to be nice, respectful and be clear that I expect the same.
Jim

 

[steveno]

at my annual visit to the VA clinic I always get asked if I had thoughts of harming myself and the answer is always no. I don't get asked about guns. if the question was about guns I would just say no.

 

[nachogrande]

2 SIDES TO EVERY COIN.

As a gun owner myself, I get it. As a former RN I've also had a 45 pointed at me by a 3 war distinguished combat veteran (WITH DEMENTIA), it would have been good to know he had a gun when I went to his home.

 

[wingriderz]

Medicare here too and yes got that drill more than once. I am at docs usally twice a month sometimes more. The gun thing she tried one time I screamed GUNS !! Arent those things Dangerous ?? All the time sporting my 442 in right front pocket. When I am at weekley lab its my 40 C or Xds I W B. As far as those other questions tell um what they want to hear and keep going

 

[Golddollar]

When my cardiologist asks me about guns it's probably to compare his collection with mine.

 

[paulh]

Here they call it an annual wellness visit to the tune of $278.00 on the bill. Next year I'm declining.

 

[Watchdog]

Doctors ask questions. That's what doctors do. What's the problem?

 

[LVSteve]

When my cardiologist asks me about guns it's probably to compare his collection with mine.

I had an eye doctor and an immigration attorney like that. The immigration attorney particularly lamented that I had more guns than her BEFORE I got my citizenship.

 

[NYlakesider]

Here they call it an annual wellness visit to the tune of $278.00 on the bill. Next year I'm declining.

In my plan that is called a annual physical and is free. (No co payment)

I see a bunch of doctors and the nurses that takes your BP and weight most times have what I call the "questions of the month"

Favorite/s is do you feel safe in your own home, do you live alone, is your house all on one floor. A few weeks ago I had this petite nurse under 5' and a 100Lbs probably age 60 ask me do you feel safe and I just gently laughed at her, she grinned and said that seems like a yes and she said normally she has a few more but all seems well.

Yes some times they say Medicaid/care requires these questions, including gun questions! One time a couple of years ago I asked to see that rule in writing and that also ended the inquisition!

 

[500SNW]

Doctors ask questions. That's what doctors do. What's the problem?

I think the implication here is that they are going to get around to talking about gun ownership...which will probably be lumped in with smoking, illicit drug use, unprotected sex with strangers and a number of other risky behaviors. They will deny coverage, or charge more...ie. discrimination against gun owners.

As for me, if they ever ask I am going to tell them the truth. I absolutely hate guns...guns are bad...and I'm offended that they would even imply that I'd stoop so low as to own a gun.

 

[italiansport]

I have an appointment with my Doctor today. One of the things I'll be bringing him is a free entry pass for the big Crossroads Gun show next month. There's nothing like living in Arizona.
Jim

 

[Absalom]

I've been filling out a basic survey like that at a few of my specialist doctors for years, like at my neurologist. As it was explained to me, it's mostly a liability thing. If you off yourself, and family or lawyers come around asking "Why didn't you see the signs?" at least the doctor can document that you said everything was peachy.

I wouldn't be surprised if some risk-averse bureaucrat at Medicare decided to make it a requirement.

On the other hand, there are many older folks with medical issues who know that things will just get worse and then they'll die. I'm one of them. I'm not prone to depression at all, but many people are. I see nothing wrong with asking about that. Don't answer if you don't want to. If you enjoy suspicions about sinister schemes, be my guest. In the meantime, I have real issues to deal with.

 

[nachogrande]

YOU WON'T KNOW IF YOU DON'T LOOK/ASK.

If something was missed, by not asking a question, you'd be accusing them of not doing their job. It's a no win job, you will NEVER please everyone. I WISH the only medical problem I had was being annoyed. Many would be happy to trade places with you. Don't sweat the small stuff. Being on the side of the dirt, to be able to get annoyed is a good thing.

 

[7shooter]

I just say No.

 

[SFlanigan]

I flatly refuse to answer any question that 1) doesn't pertain to what I am visiting for, and 2) anything that I consider none of their (insert expletive here) business.