My Dear Medical Professional

The BBQ Pit
1

My dear medical professional,

No, I’m not embarrassed that I’m on an SSRI; I recognize I have a condition that warrants meds, no different than diabetes, blah, blah, blah. But I would like to choose who I tell, and how, and besides, how about that whole “confidentiality” thing?

Yes, dear phlebotomist, I know we’re on friendly terms and like to talk about boys and celebrities and our pets, but that doesn’t mean everyone in the blood donor room, including my friend who I donate with, needs to know what medication I’m on.

“CELEXA?? ARE YOU ON THAT FOR ANXIETY??”

Yes, and just in case someone in the ward down the hall didn’t hear you, let me go into detail about the emotional and physical symptoms I get when in panic mode. The diarrhea alone is something special.

“PAXIL?? WHAT IS THAT, BIRTH CONTROL?”

No, but let me announce to you and the rest of the floor that I am celibate for religious reasons, the religious experience I had to turn me around, how long it’s been since I’ve had sex, and no, I don’t masturbate either. No, it hasn’t killed me yet.

“CELEXA, WHAT’S THAT FOR?? ARTHRITIS??”

And, Ms. Dental Hygenist, don’t let my mouth full of cotton and blood stop you from interrogating me; I’m sure that green fabric dividing this from the next exam area will be soundproof enough.

Thanks for your consideration,

gigi

2

No matter what the drug or medical information is, I refuse to deal with a yeller. I have (more then once) let them and their supervisors know that I am VERY unhappy with my personal information being broadcast to the world.

That is so rude and there is no excuse for it.

Zette

3

Actually, in many cases it is illeagel and these assholes should be called onto the carpet.

4

Most, if not all medical facilities have very stringent, specific patient privacy rules. In the hospital I work at, I had to sign a patent privacy statement that basicaly said that I agreed to be fired if I devulged ANY patient information, including that I had even SEEN a patient at the hospital. And I only work in supply. What you described flies in the face of these rules. Depending on how you feel about it, I would say that you should go to the patient affairs department, supervisiors, or administration and tell them what you have told us. I am certian swift action will be taken to end such behavior. (Such facilities are VERY afraid of lawsuits in these circumstances.)