HIPAA > HIPAA

patient social security numbers....

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jennifer8055:
 ??? Wondering if anyone else has had this issue.....

We had a patient in office today that refused to give us her social security number.  Patient stated that her insurance company advised her that she did not need to provider her social security number for any billing purposes.  We tried to explain to her that there are other reasons than billing that we need her social security number and she refused, to the point she stated that she would pay for visit out of her pocket.

Now, we need the social for (possible) turnover to collection agency, if the patient has a balance that is not paid.  The collection agency uses that social to verify any bankruptcy, employment for possible garnishments and/or skip trace patient if we have incorrect phone number and/or address.  Now, we also use ssn for verification through the state database for prescriptions filled.  If the provider wants to issue patient a prescription for a controlled substance, we have the right to check the database to make sure the patient is not just a drug seeker.

We can't be the only ones having this issue.......just curious.

Thanks!
Jennifer

shanbull:
We collect that info for the same reasons, I've never had a patient refuse to provide it once we explained why it's needed. I guess if the Dr. is comfortable with this patient paying with cash it's the patient's choice, but some of our providers point blank would not agree to see a patient under such circumstances due to the risk of prescribing controlled substances without being able to check on our state database. It's one of those things where if the patient is that resistant, you get suspicious about why that might be. There's no smoke without a fire, as they say. It's ultimately the Dr.'s license/payment for services on the line, so the Dr. should make the call whether to see the patient or not.

jennifer8055:
Thanks shanbull.  I didn't think we were wrong in anyway and figured someone else had the same issue before.  I know in these days of identity theft everyone is concerned about giving out personal information, for fear that someone will abuse that trust, but patients also need to understand there are other reasons that we need that information.

StephD:
I will not give out my social security number to a medical provider's office.  It has never been an issue, but I haven't needed any prescriptions for controlled substances.  My son wanted my social when he went to a minor emergency clinic.  He is 23 and on my insurance.  I told him that his insurance card and driver's license are sufficient information along with my DOB.

PMRNC:
Not so fast..
 The Privacy Act of 1974 requires all government agencies -- federal, state and local -- that request Social Security numbers to provide a "disclosure" statement on the form. The statement explains whether you are required to provide your SSN or if it's optional. It also explains how the SSN will be used. This disclosure should be given to the patient if SS is requested.  I am one of those that will NOT give out mine or my kids social security numbers to anyone. when my girls went to public schools I had this argument with them every year.. and every year I put N/A.   did you know that you don't even have to have a SS#? yes if you want to get a paycheck or file tax returns you need your social security number.

Even if you look at your SS card it tells you that this number is NOT to be used for identification purposes.

 

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