records. There is nothing the health care practitioner can
do to prevent this access. (In my office, HIV records are
kept in separate files, but we can't have double files on
every disease or for individual situations.) The insurance
company probably doesn't give a damn whether or not
you like to be spanked, and they do have a responsibility
to keep this information private. If you are still concerned
about confidentiality, the way to take maximum
precautions is to see the health care practitioner under
an assumed name, and pay cash. If you do that, there's no
way your insurance company or your employer can get
hold of your private information. Unfortunately, that is a
very expensive alternative.
expression) with your doctor about who knows what, he
can help keep information from those who shouldn't have
it, and he may be able to help get it to those who should
including those who might not be part of your traditional
family structure. If you are involved in a nontraditional
relationship or family, please execute a power of attorney
for health care and a living will. A general durable power
of attorney and a will are also excellent ideas. Actually,
even if you are in a traditional relationship, you should
make your desires known and execute these documents.