First off I am not a minor. I had to go to the dentist three different times to fill cavities. Well my last appointment was next week and I had to cancel it because I will be out of town. I left a message on the phone because no one answered. The next day they called my DAD and told him I canceled the appointment and asked him if that was ok. He told them that they should not cancel it (he didnt know I wouldnt be in town yet) until he talked to me. Then I called this morning to confirm it had been canceled they asked me if I had talked to my dad and told me I could not cancel it unless I had. My parents insurance is paying for it. But like my college cant give my parents information unless I give them permission even though my parents are helping with paying (I'm doing most of that) because I have a Right to Privacy. So is the dentist office allowed to "tattle" on me if I reschedule an appointment?. Only those who know for sure answer please!
2006-08-16 06:15:27 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I dont want to take any legal action. I just want to know if I can call them and request they deal with me and me only about my appointments.
2006-08-16 06:28:46 · update #1
There are federal law issues raised, under HIPPA, as well well as state law issues.
Whenever your legal rights are at issue, don't take random advice from anonymous people on the internet. Only a licensed attorney is legally allowed to give you legal advice.
That being said, you should first check the paperwork you signed at the dentist, because you might have given consent for them to call the insurance holder, or if you listed your parents as an emergency or alternate contact. If you did not give consent, you should inform the dentist that you did not, and ask them to apologize fro overstepping their authority.
If it becomes a legal issue, consult with an attorney licensed in your state.
2006-08-16 06:25:15 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This sounds pretty innocent if you live at home - if not it's strange. Here's your right. Scheduling is not covered under the Privacy. If they call your home and say that they're calling to reschedule, that is not a breach of your privacy. If they call someone else's home - i.e. the number not on your chart, then they've stepped over the line. Your coverage is under your father's carrier so they can use that as a blanket to defend if you bring action however, as you're not a minor if they were to make the appointment through your father and you missed it, they could not charge you for the missed appointment.
2006-08-16 06:25:37 · answer #2 · answered by Lex 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While I don't know "for sure", perhaps this will help. If you want to know for sure, you need to talk to a lawyer. If you are in college and your school has a law department, they might be able to help. You could also talk to your dentist and tell them how you feel. Mention the privacy issue and it may straighten them up. If they don't cooperate, you have the option of changing dentists.
It also sounds like you might need to talk to your dad. He should have accepted that you needed to cancel your appointment and not tried to over ride you.
2006-08-16 06:27:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your DAD is paying, albeit via insurance, so he has the final say regarding cancellation or information exchange according to both the insurance company AND the dentist. The dentist is not "tattling" they are trying to figure if they have authority to bill for a service YOU decided to not have done, but failed to inform the responsible person who is the payer!!
As a minimum, you owe your father the amount equal to his deductible. Period! It's called responsibility!!
2006-08-16 06:30:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They probably called to confirm the cancel and that's how your dad found out. He must be the primary contact # on the file. They will explain it like that so you don't have a case.
2006-08-16 06:23:51 · answer #5 · answered by RUAQT? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well ur on ur parents insurance for dentist..sooo that is where they get their $$$ from...dealing with school (since i was in the same situation)..even if ur parents are paying ur total education you are still the student at the school...u earn ur grades and whatnot...this is very hard to explain lol..but all i know is that the dentist is not invading your privacy cause in their eyes your still a "child" on ur parents policy..in the schools eyes, you are teh one getting the grades and whatnot so its up to u to tell ur parents how u do..i probably confused u more..cause i just fried my brain
2006-08-16 06:24:41 · answer #6 · answered by Michael D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
g, you are absolutely correct, Rather than starting a big fight, hope you can find a new dentist.
2006-08-16 06:21:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats stupid, I would tell them and your dad off
2006-08-16 06:23:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋