Do I have to give my social security number to a doctor, even if I have my valid private insurance card?

Answer 1

Legally, no, but then they aren't required to treat you, either!

Answer 2

Yes, because that is a secondary identifier. There have been cases where insurance companies have issued the same number to two separate people - I know of one case myself. This way, even if the insurance id number is incorrect (either by fault of the insurance company or the office staff) there won't be problems getting claims paid because they can identify you with your SSN. Otherwise, if the insurance company has the wrong id#, they may deny the claim, therefore you'll get billed by the doctor's office, and then it's up to you to pay the charges or get it reprocessed by the insurance.

Also- make sure the doctor is HIPAA compliant - this means that they MUST disclose to you EXACTLY how they use your information and who has access to it. (In my office, we only use the SSN for insurance purposes and only office staff has access and faxes and the computer are all secure.)

Answer 3

If your insurance company has assigned you an ID number, there is no need for your SSN for insurance processing purposes. It used to be that your one and only ID number was your Social.

Most doctors & dentists ask for a SSN in case your account (or any patient's account) goes into default. That way, if the account goes to a collection agency, it can be reported to the credit bureaus.

If you are in good standing with the doctor, ask if you may omit your Social Security Number from your form.

I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Personally, I don't feel it is necessary, even if it is their "office practice". They can call your insurer; however, if your insurer has only your SSN as your subscriber number, then you need to. Insurers are getting away from this practice, however, due to identify theft. If you have a subscriber ID, it should suffice, and I personally would refuse to provide it. I do not give out my children's SSN's, as they are listed under my husband's subscriber ID. If the doctor's office gives you a hard time, I would suggest you change practitioners.

Answer 5

BBUMPLE, you are an idiot, and I hope and illegal (there are more every day) steal your identity.
Your health ins. Card and/or driver's license should be good enough. There was a law, called the Red Flag Rule, that said Health Providers COULD NOT ASK FOR YOUR SSN, however, it may have expired in Dec. 2010. (Not sure if it was renewed)
No one, but the IRS is legally required to be using your SSN, for any reason. If the doctor refuses, find another doctor. It's really up to you to expose yourself to identity theft.

Answer 6

No, you do not have to give it, especially since your ins is valid, however it does help if balences need to be collected. Just make sure that your doctors office is always up to date with your info, i.e. change of ins, phone #, address, or job. I never heard of a Dr.'s office refusing a pt. for not giving out their SS #

Answer 7

No, you do not have to give your social security number. However, the doctor may not accept you as a patient unless you give it.

Answer 8

Stop being so paranoid. Who cares if you give your ssn to a doctor's office. Trust me they won't give it out to anyone. They won't even tell someone if you have an outstanding bill with them, let alone give out your ssn. Lighten up, you should have bigger and better things to worry about.

Answer 9

Uh yes, I think so.
ANYONE who you may have to owe for a medical service can have your social. If you don't pay you co-pay, they have a right to come after you.