Why Do I Need a Photo ID to See a Doctor?

a reply to: stolencar18

I can see it, if you need a prescription. But just to go see a doctor? No. Nowhere in the OP did he say anything about needing a script, which is why I don't feel you should need an ID, to just sit and talk to a doctor.

Meds involved? Yes. Even a "Procedure" Yes.

But given the info in the OP? I assumed it was just like checking out a new doctor.
Then no.


Thankfully, I've never had to show mine. At the Doctor, or pharmacist. Small town life and all.

originally posted by: chiefsmom
a reply to: stolencar18

I can see it, if you need a prescription. But just to go see a doctor? No. Nowhere in the OP did he say anything about needing a script, which is why I don't feel you should need an ID, to just sit and talk to a doctor.

Meds involved? Yes. Even a "Procedure" Yes.

But given the info in the OP? I assumed it was just like checking out a new doctor.
Then no.

Everything has to be documented. Even if you just come in to get your height and weight checked. As a healthcare pro you have to have all that info, plus some.

originally posted by: Atsbhct
a reply to: Metallicus


Prescription shopping for one thing.

That is handled by the pharmacy, and their database.

a reply to: chiefsmom

The OP was seeing an eye doctor, so I see both angles, of not wanting to have ID, and the practice wanting to identify who they are treating.

But, if I went to a new doctor and said, "I just want to talk to the doctor," and then in the talk, we decide, okay, I actually need a prescription for a drug. Do I then get out of the office, go to the administrator, show ID and fill out the form, go back in the office, get the prescription and then leave?

What a hassle for the office.

What if the doctor prescribed something, handed the un-id'd patient the prescription and said, "Make sure to show the receptionist your photo ID." Instead, the patient walks out. They try to fill the prescription, the pharmacy calls the office, and they have no record of the patient, so no prescription gets filled.

Doctors offices will never use this system because problems will abound.

a reply to: Sargeras

Most pharmacies don't even log your info into that database, which is breaking federal law.

a reply to: Metallicus

I had the same experience except it was over having to provide my SSN. I was even asked "Who is your closest living relative not living with you?" I didn't like that one bit.
When I inquired about the inappropriate questions, I was told it was for "the database" so if I was Injured anyplace my records would be available in case I could not give the info myself.
Needless to say, that didn't make me feel any better about it, so I left.
The MD I wanted to see was in Florida and the example given me was if I was injured in London, UK.
If there is a database it is large and crosses borders.

a reply to: dogstar23

It may actually be in the doctor's favor.

He can honestly say that he/they have no record of ever treating that person.

"Doctor, we realize you dont have any record of treating this person but have you ever seen him before, do you recall treating him?"

"No".

"Case dismissed".

a reply to: gladtobehere

Except the whole cash receipt thing that's on file and the multiple HIPPA and state fines you'd get for incomplete record keeping etc...

You know I think I was naive about why a Doctor would need your ID. I hadn't even considered the prescription fraud or potential legal issues. In my defense, I don't know anything about drugs or the drug subculture nor have I ever thought to sue someone.

I appreciate the education my fellow ATS'ers. I simply reacted to one more intrusion into my privacy where perhaps it was actually justified in this particular instance. I have become very sensitive to things that might erode our liberty and privacy.

a reply to: Metallicus

The intrusion sucks, but it protects you as the patient. You would (or wouldn't be) surprised at the amount of illegals that use unsuspecting citizens SSNs for healthcare services. So that allows us to say wait a minute Jose Doe has the same SSN as another patient named Metallicus, and then we get to say to Jose Doe that we need his real social because the one he's using isn't really his. Thus saving you the identity theft and the bill.

a reply to: Atsbhct

I guess every doc's office is different. Ours always have nurses/aids floating around everywhere, with laptops, entering whatever the doc says and can even scan things right then and there.

Wouldn't take but 3 seconds to scan an ID then.

But when I was looking for a new doctor years ago, I went there to talk. Not get a script, just to see if I was comfortable with them, what switching would entail, ect.

In the US, it's probably defensive medicine. They need to prove who you are, should you chose to sue them.

Other than that, there's things like knowing who you really are in case of complications and other reasons.

Is there a reason why you don't want the doctor to know who you are?

originally posted by: Metallicus
Also, I don't want to have to have an ID at all. I would give up my right to vote and many other things for my right to live in anonymity. I should be able to transact business with cash in a free country.

If you figure out how to actually do this, please let me know. I'd happily leave the rest of the schlubbs in this ass-directed nation to their own devices if I could figure out how to extract myself from taxes, tracking, licensure, etc. It's why the freeman movement grabs in so many Americans... we want to believe in freedom. It doesn't exist, though. Even if there is legal grounds to support the ideas (which there is), the system and their syphalitic pawns will never acknowledge that legal standard.

a reply to: burdman30ott6

Damn, I was going to ask you!

I will let you know. I have thought about moving to Antarctica since it isn't claimed by any nation. I wonder if that is an option.

a reply to: chiefsmom
Some of these answers may explain why I got a new bank card today. It clearly states that it has a chip. It also says I have to activate it immediately or my account will be deactivated.

Pissed me off just enough that I will wait until they deactivate my account, then I will cancel my account.

You think it odd that they ask you for an ID? Wait until they ask you if you have any guns in your home.

a reply to: NightSkyeB4Dawn

Actually I took my daughter in for her sports physical last year and the doctor asked my daughter if there were 'guns in the home'. I went off on the doctor and told her it was none of her damn business.

a reply to: Metallicus

I am a registrar at a hospital. There are numerous reasons you were asked for id. First, someone may have the same name as you and even a similar birthday, some electronic medical record systems will flag a registrar to ask for id to ensure the correct patient record is being accessed. Next, someone may have used your identity at that facility before and is now flagged to verify id for each visit to prevent fraud and identity theft. Additionally, we scan in ids as a preventative measure to protect from fraud and identity theft, as we are required by law to have a fraud prevention system in place since we accept payments. It's called the Red Flags Rule. As others have said, depending on state laws, or even facility policy, id might be required due to prescription drug abuse which can also lead to identity theft issues as drug seekers get desperate.

Basically, they probably asked to protect you and themselves.

...and as long as were asking, why do they all need my social security number. the insurance company has it and I don't trust some of these 1 man shops to protect my identity

originally posted by: acackohfcc
...and as long as were asking, why do they all need my social security number. the insurance company has it and I don't trust some of these 1 man shops to protect my identity

They'll ask as another level of identity, but you shouldn't be required to give it. I believe it can help with the claim process, but I don't work in billing so I can't be 100% certain.

a reply to: network dude

So, wait....they photocopy your license....have your DOB, address, etc.....and maybe you were naive enough to give them a copy of your Social Sc #.

Then, they put this info into their computers....and FAIL to shred the photocopies...and they end up in a trash bag with other IDs....just waiting to be stolen.

Right!!!!!!

Now, I know my eye doctor has a shredder right there...and will shred in front of you.....but NO ONE gets to photocopy my idea.

FWIW, I have no problem showing my ID...but no copies are going to be made.