Welcome to Gaia! ::

So,

At my nice young twenty-one, there are still some things in life I haven't done -- change a tire, go skydiving -- and I'll get there.

Another thing I haven't ever done is seek medical help without consulting my parents (because I'm still on their insurance, as I'm a student).

Now, I'd like to go to some kind of clinic without them knowing, and I guess I should procure my insurance card from them somehow (not sure how I'm going to do this, but I'll figure it out).

Bu-u-ut . . . even though it's against my better judgement, I'm looking into free clinics in the area instead. I understand they're not the most reliable or convenient medical channels to go through, but there are a bajillion reasons why I do not want to involve my parents in any way and I'm afraid if I actually succeed in nabbing my insurance card, I'll leave some kind of paper trail if I use the family insurance.

Advice, plz? crying

Yikes, one reply and it's of apology. Thanks for taking notice of my post though smile Hopefully in the next week I'll have some sound advice.

A friend of mine went to a clinic and payed out of pocket for birth control pills. Her parents were strict catholics and she was afraid they'd disown her if they found out. They only recently found out because she told them. So, if you're wanting something like that, then just go to a clinic. If it's something a bit more invasive then go to a regular doctor and just tell them you want to keep it confidential. They are not, under any circumstances, allowed to disclose your medical information to anyone without your approval. Unless they think you're going to kill yourself or someone else, what you tell a doctor is protected information. It's law. Google HIPPA.

Actually your parents have no legal right to view or ask about your medical history. It's sealed to them no matter if you're on the same insurance, unless you give permission otherwise. There is usually an understanding with family doctors, and it never really causes a problem, but if your parents were to enter a hospital and ask how and why you were treated, no one could tell them. Only that you were there, and at that I'm not entirely sure.

Depending on what you need to have done, you may not actually need insurance. Things like the Morning After Pill, STD tests and pregnancy tests are all usually a flat rate at PP clinics. Gynecological, breast health and certain other exams are also available there for a generally fixed fee. Insurance will help, but it isn't really necessary. However for reasons stated in the paragraph after next, it is a good idea to make sure any medications you take or exam results are in your medical history.

If it's a norml medical problem, like a broken bone or a ear infection, then the visit to a regular family doctor is going to include a fee for the visit itself, along with any tests and prescriptions. If that's the case then you would want your insurance, but I wouldn't suggest stealing the card from your parents.

Instead, explain to one or both them them that it's actually a very good idea for you to have your insurance card on you at all times. In an emergency your insurance card can make a big difference. Especially at a hospital, if you're unconscious when you're brought in. Also, since the card lists your healthcare provider, a hospital will be able to easily find out whether or not you have any potentially dangerous allergies like latex or penicillin, what medications you're taking to avoid negative drug interactions, any conditions you may have, religious preferences (sometimes that is a big deal) and your blood type. It's a seriously important piece of paper you should be carrying with you, and for your parents to withhold it can prove to be quite dangerous.

Depending on what exactly you're asking about I could probably give you more details, but I don't want to ask you to reveal something private to me. I am a stranger over the internet, and I'm not a doctor or a nurse. However you can call medical hotlines to ask them advice and locate the nearest clinics and such.

Oh and if you do decide to go with your family doctor, you can say to him or her directly NOT to reveal the nature or outcome of your visit. They are then bound by oath and law not to tell your parents, no matter how friendly everyone is. If they do, it's risking a lawsuit and possible loss of their medical license. (Of course you don't want to threaten them. Doctors know when it's not time to mess around with that sort of thing.)

Good luck. biggrin

As a 21-year-old college student myself, I always keep my insurance card with me out of precaution. What if, for instance, you need some sort of emergency procedure and you're incapacitated and your parents are unreachable? So if you can't underhandedly procure it, try the straightforward "I should keep my insurance card with me" route. Good luck!

--ashleyatusc