You Don't Have to Give Your Doctor Your Social Security Number
Why you shouldn't give your doctor your Social Security number
February 10, 2015Consumer Reports - You’re filling out a pile of forms at the local hospital or when seeing a physician. You jot down your name, address, and insurance information. Then you come to a space for your Social Security number. Should you fill in those precious nine digits? If it’s your doctor or hospital asking, the answer is “No!” But it’s not so simple if you have Medicare or the question comes from your health insurance company. Here’s what you need to know.
Health care providers: Just say no
“There’s really no reason to give your doctor or hospital your Social Security number,” says Consumer Reports medical adviser Orly Avitzur, M.B.A., M.D., whose office stopped asking patients for their numbers about three years ago. “Insurers have your unique subscriber number and that’s what we use to submit claims.”
“Both small and large providers may not have adequate security protocols to protect it,” he says. “And in the medical area you have a double whammy—medically sensitive and financially sensitive information.”CR’s advice: If a health care provider asks for your Social Security number:
- Leave the area on the form blank. Often, the provider won't even ask or notice.
- If they do, consider what Stephens often says: “I explain that I’m concerned about identity theft and prefer not to reveal my Social, except in those situations where it’s mandated by law.” If you feel pressured, consider choosing another facility or doctor, if you can. Some folks offer just the last four digits of their number.
Medicare patients: Guard your ID card
CR’s advice: If you're on Medicare, you still have to share your Social Security number with your health care providers (in the form of your Medicare card), so they can get paid by Medicare. But you can get some protection by making a copy of your original card and, after the first visit, blacking out all but the last four digits of your Social Security number. That way you won’t have to carry around your original card, with your complete Social Security number, at all times.
Insurance companies: You’re out of luck
Insurance companies do have a right to ask for your Social Security number, whether you get insurance through your employer or you bought an Obamacare plan through a state or federal marketplace.
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