# Atheist dealing with doc who mentions God's intervention every single GD time I visit **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 27, 2015, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765 "2015-09-27T21:09:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2015, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/21 "2015-09-28T11:00:33Z")
You could (a) tell him you didn’t come for faith healing, but thought chiropractic was serious physical medicine (b) ask him which professional body he’s registered with, as you plan on reporting him for breaching patient confidentiality. That might possibly constitute a learning moment for him. ---
**Author:** ![brovolone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e4f/32.png) [@brovolone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brovolone)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2015, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/22 "2015-09-28T12:38:30Z")
I’d rather be in pain ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2015, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/23 "2015-09-28T12:50:31Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > Find a more professional doctor to take your business to? Got it in one. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2015, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/24 "2015-09-28T13:50:45Z")
> [@diggerwam](#): > > I think I should just let it go, hopefully I won’t see him past this week. But on the other hand, I’d sure like to have a teachable moment. Thoughts?? “Doc, that’s sounds great and all that, but when you can show conclusive proof of the existence of a god of any kind, it will have meaning and value. Until then, keep it to yourself, please.” ---
**Author:** ![Doctor\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctor_jackson/32/32_2.png) [@Doctor\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2015, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/25 "2015-09-28T15:16:11Z")
> [@Stoneburg](#): > > And here it’s really a bit socially awkward to be religious. Though most people kind of are… > > I think the national religion of Sweden right now is “I don’t believe in ‘God’ but… I think there’s _something_”. > > So when someone asks you if there is something Swedes actually believe in, you can say “Yes, that’s exactly it. They believe in _something_”. We just don’t know what it is, we can’t describe it, we don’t like to talk about it and we’re not really committed to it anyway. Sweden - Above all, in all things, be neutral! 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2015, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/26 "2015-09-28T15:34:29Z")
> [@iljitsch](#): > > I’d say that if you’re trusting your health to a person who, at least on some level, believes that all that ails you can be fixed by prodding your bones, low-level evangelism is the least of your worries. That is a totally unwarranted assumption. I use a chiro and he certainly makes no claim for repairing anything but back problems. In fact, he was recommended by my family doctor who uses him too. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2015, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/27 "2015-09-29T01:08:45Z")
I know others have said it but – find a new doc. I like my GP/GS because she does pray with/for me and I’ve done better in terms of health with her than any other doctor I’ve had; to each their own. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2015, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/28 "2015-09-29T20:23:10Z")
My mother in law currently lives in a small town in Arkansas. On more than one occasion, her doctor has made comments about just needing to keep her healthy until the rapture which was right around the corner. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2015, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/29 "2015-09-29T21:17:33Z")
Everyone keeps mentioning HIPAA, but does it apply to non-medical pursuits like chiropractic? As for witnessing, I’d suggest pointing out to him what I learned long ago. Annoying people makes them more likely not to convert. Though, obviously, in a more tactful way than that. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2015, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/30 "2015-09-29T22:28:32Z")
Chiropractic practices are generally HIPAA covered entities, yes. [QUOTE=42 USC § 1395x(s)] The term “physician”, when used in connection with the performance of any function or action, means (1) a doctor of medicine or osteopathy legally authorized to practice medicine and surgery by the State in which he performs such function or action (including a physician within the meaning of section 1301(a)(7) of this title), (2) a doctor of dental surgery or of dental medicine who is legally authorized to practice dentistry by the State in which he performs such function and who is acting within the scope of his license when he performs such functions, (3) a doctor of podiatric medicine for the purposes of subsections (k), (m), (p)(1), and (s) of this section and sections 1395f(a), 1395k(a)(2)(F)(ii), and 1395n of this title but only with respect to functions which he is legally authorized to perform as such by the State in which he performs them, (4) a doctor of optometry, but only for purposes of subsection (p)(1) of this section and with respect to the provision of items or services described in subsection (s) of this section which he is legally authorized to perform as a doctor of optometry by the State in which he performs them, or **(5) a chiropractor who is licensed as such by the State (or in a State which does not license chiropractors as such, is legally authorized to perform the services of a chiropractor in the jurisdiction in which he performs such services), and who meets uniform minimum standards promulgated by the Secretary, but only for the purpose of subsections (s)(1) and (s)(2)(A) of this section and only with respect to treatment by means of manual manipulation of the spine (to correct a subluxation) which he is legally authorized to perform by the State or jurisdiction in which such treatment is provided**. For the purposes of section 1395y(a)(4) of this title and subject to the limitations and conditions provided in the previous sentence, such term includes a doctor of one of the arts, specified in such previous sentence, legally authorized to practice such art in the country in which the inpatient hospital services (referred to in such section 1395y(a)(4) of this title) are furnished. [/QUOTE] ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2015, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/31 "2015-09-29T23:00:50Z")
my take is that despite this persons shortcomings and misconceptions to how things really work God has lead you to the person you need in your life at this moment of time despite your beliefs to the contrary. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2015, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/32 "2015-09-29T23:31:06Z")
That God is personally intervening to help with one’s back pain is just as believable as the idea that invisible subluxations cause disease but are readily eliminated by chiro adjustments. “But all this God stuff is silly and fake, Doc!” (snicker) ---
**Author:** ![McDoogins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6a8cbe/32.png) [@McDoogins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/McDoogins)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2015, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/33 "2015-09-29T23:35:55Z")
> [@diggerwam](#): > > My Chiro works on numerous people at my company, even name dropped the big owner boss lady. The company is a good company, but leans quite to the right. I’m not “out” at work due to an abundance of caution. > > I don’t think I’d be fired or anything, but I could imagine being black balled. Ah, I was going to ask why it would be such a big deal but you answered my question for me. ---
**Author:** ![Esox\_Lucius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/848f3c/32.png) [@Esox\_Lucius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esox_Lucius)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2015, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/34 "2015-09-30T03:36:47Z")
> [@diggerwam](#): > > I’d sure like to have a teachable moment. Thoughts?? "If God is responsible, maybe I should pay Him instead, ha ha. “No, seriously…” ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2015, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/35 "2015-09-30T10:59:45Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > my take is that despite this persons shortcomings and misconceptions to how things really work God has lead you to the person you need in your life at this moment of time despite your beliefs to the contrary. An atheist buys an oil lamp at an auction, takes it home, and begins to polish it. Suddenly, a genie appears, and says, “I’ll grant you three wishes, Master.” The atheist says, “I wish I could believe in you.” The genie snaps his fingers, and suddenly the atheist believes in him. The atheist says, “Wow. I wish all atheists would believe this.” The genie snaps his fingers again, and suddenly atheists all over the world begin to believe in genies. “What about your third wish?” asks the genie. “Well,” says the atheist, “I wish for a billion dollars.” The genie snaps his fingers for a third time, but nothing happens. “What’s wrong?” asks the atheist. The genie shrugs and says, “Just because you believe in me, doesn’t necessarily mean that I really exist.” ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2015, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/36 "2015-09-30T17:39:26Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I am a Christian and I would not want to go to a “doctor” who puts so much of his faith in to his practice. I would not want to go to a doctor who evangelizes to anyone during an appointment. And I would not want to go to a doctor who violates HIPAA by discussing other patients with patients. > > So, I can imagine it’s worse for an atheist. You need another doctor. THIS x 1000. And this chiropractor needs to be reported to the state board. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2015, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/37 "2015-09-30T17:41:00Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > Everyone keeps mentioning HIPAA, but does it apply to non-medical pursuits like chiropractic? > > As for witnessing, I’d suggest pointing out to him what I learned long ago. Annoying people makes them more likely not to convert. Though, obviously, in a more tactful way than that. Chiropractors are held to the same standards of confidentiality as any other medical practitioner, whether they be a nurse, physical therapist, optometrist, pharmacist, medical assistant, or even an unlicensed receptionist. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2015, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/38 "2015-09-30T17:58:34Z")
> [@Stoneburg](#): > > And here it’s really a bit socially awkward to be religious. Though most people kind of are… > > I think the national religion of Sweden right now is “I don’t believe in ‘God’ but… I think there’s _something_”. > > So when someone asks you if there is something Swedes actually believe in, you can say “Yes, that’s exactly it. They believe in _something_”. We just don’t know what it is, we can’t describe it, we don’t like to talk about it and we’re not really committed to it anyway. [The Easy Way to Make a Nordic Uncomfortable](http://satwcomic.com/the-easy-way) ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2015, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/39 "2015-10-01T02:15:03Z")
HIPAA or no HIPAA, the chiropractic profession should certainly include confidentiality in its own code of ethics. I took a professions massage therapist class a few years ago. The focus of the class was on feel-good type of massage as practiced as typical day spas, rather than medically therapeutic massage. (That came in more advanced classes.) The training included some discussion of professional ethics. Even for this style of resort massage, confidentiality was a biggie. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2015, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765/40 "2015-10-01T02:19:42Z")
> [@diggerwam](#): > > My Chiro works on numerous people at my company, **even name dropped the big owner boss lady**. The company is a good company, but leans quite to the right. I’m not “out” at work due to an abundance of caution. > > I don’t think I’d be fired or anything, but I could imagine being black balled. Do you think Dr. Chiro _knows_ that his client is a big owner boss lady? Does he know that she is _your_ big owner boss lady? :eek: If he knows all that, and he name-dropped her name to you, then I’d have to assume he also name-dropped your name to her. (Does your Chiro know that you are an atheist? Have you ever talked about that with him?) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dealing-with-doc-who-mentions-gods-intervention-every-single-gd-time-i-visit/732765.md?page=3)