I'm 18, but found out some bad news that i'm sick?

Question

Legallly i am an adult, but i found out some bad news, i may have a tumor. I talked with my doctor he says we can treat it easily. but.

Would i have to tell my parents about this right away, or could i hide it from them for a little while.

can the doctor contact my parents, even though i'm of age.

Answer 1

This is a situation which is misleading to some. People have answered the question as if you are an independent adult. You have only disclosed that you are "of age 18" and have said nothing about whether you are supporting yourself or if you are a dependent of your parents.

Being the age of majority gives you many freedoms and rights, but while you live at home with your parents and are listed as a dependent on their health insurance, you are, in many ways still considered their child.

HIPAA notice of privacy practices for personal health information that was effective beginning 2003, states that they may legally disclose PHI in number of situations. Amongst the people they can disclose information is "To YOU about your dependents". In this case, "you" would be your parents, and the dependent is none other than yourself.

So, yes, PHI can be disclosed to your parents while you are listed as their dependent.

PHI may also be released to process payment of benefits under your insurance coverage. If you use your parents insurance, they may be aware of processed claims.

BUT, I strongly DOUBT your doctor will contact your parents. If he has been dealing with you as a patient without your parents involvement, he will leave it up to you to share the bad news. I am sure he would be willing to break things to them if you wanted to bring them with you to your next appointment, but he would have no reason, objective or interest in contacting your parents on his own.

Answer 2

Legally, no he cannot contact your parents if you are of age, especially if you request that he not contact your parents. I would think you should tell your parents because they would be there to help support you during this time in your life. It would probably be hard to try hiding that you have a tumor if you are having to take medication to get rid of it, the medications they use to get rid of tumors and cancers mae people very tired, and I'm sure your parents would begin wondering why you so tired all of the time, and wouldn't it just be easier to tell them the truth than try to hide it and lie about it all of the time?

No, your doctor cannot tell your parents about your condition if you are of legal age, but I would hope you would allow them to know what is going on in your life, just because of the fact that you will need a little bit of support during this time, even if the tumor can be treated easily, it is still going to be very stressful. Good luck with everything. Please, tell your parents, you'd be surprised how much support they could offer you.

Answer 3

Legally they cannot contact your parents. It sounds serious enough to be something to sit down and talk to your parents about as they may help you find the best care. Otherwise there is a confidentiality issue that the doctors cannot cross. If you are worried call the doctor and secretaries and let them know that if they need to contact you and your parents might pick up the phone or see a bill then to use a fake name or blank envelope so you know to call them back and your parents will just give you the message. But it would be better to be open about your health if it is serious like that. Good luck with your health! I hope you get better.
PS I know how you feel. When I was fifteen or sixteen years old I hid a lump I found in my breast from my father and stepmother and told them about it after I went to the doctor visits and found out it was a cyst. I don't know why I was nervous but it would be better if you let them know.

Answer 4

I do not know what kind of tumor, but you should tell your parents. Also if you can be on their insurance still---that could be important. In addition, you should get a second opinion and your parents can help with that.
The doctor cannot tell your parents unless there is some reason you are not allowed to make decisions on your own. There are regulations preventing this under the HIPPA laws. If he tells your parents, he is breaking the law.
If you had to have surgery and you became incapacitated, he could then contact your next of kin.
Tell them though---they are part of your support system.
Good luck!

Answer 5

If the doctor says it can be treated easily,then things should be ok, and that sounds like some positive news.
The best thing to do is to tell your parents. They need to know, and you will need their emotional support. The more support you have, the better.

The doctor cannot contact your parents without your authorization in writing. There are laws in place to protect your privacy, and since you are not a minor under 18, you will need to contact the office about releasing information to your family.
Wishing you the best, I know this is scary, but with advances in technology, many treatments are available.

Answer 6

i'm thourougly sick of the information. And the challenge is what you stated. It sells, so the media keeps putting it obtainable for us as though there is not any different information. the challenge is that considered one of those stuff has been happening consistently, however the internet, cellular telephone cameras, satellite tv for pc communications, and all the different approaches that those thoughts grow to be massive information are fairly new, so it is not that those issues is new, it is only being reported on a greater scale. the international is now and has consistently been a violent place. think of if we had the aptitude to broadcast stay actual time photos and video of activities like WWI, WWII, the yank Civil warfare, the holocaust, and different activities like we do now? The realities have not replaced, it is only that we are uncovered to them on a scale unimagined even a hundred years in the past. you may thank cutting-side technologies for that.

Answer 7

The doctor cannot tell anybody (except other doctors and medical practitioners) without your permission if you are an adult.
But then again, why on earth would you want to hide this from your parents?

You are going to do more damage to yourself and to them by trying to hide it or deny it. Cancer treatments are getting rather good these days and most people can recover with the proper treatment and the proper attitude.

There are many high-level professional athletes who have survived cancer, including Mario Lemieux and Lance Armstrong. Don't be afraid. Fear is the only enemy.

Answer 8

no at age 18 you are of legal age and responsible for your own conditions. It is illegal for doctors to reveal any of your medical conditions to any one. But in the same manor, I as a parent and a step parent would want to know what is going on so I could help you find a cure or at least help you find the medical attention you require. There are state fundings that can help with the financial end of the bills and your parents would be able to help you retain these. God be with you as you journey through this. I will be praying for you and your family.

Answer 9

ok first thing first, you are an adult if you do not want to tell your parents then no you do not have to. if you do you can when the time is right for you. second the doctor has an oath of pt confidentiality which means he can not explain a situation to anyone without that persons permission if the person is an adult. so no the dr can not tell your parents. hope this helps and good luck!! :)

Answer 10

You are 18, so the doctor cannot legally contact your parents without your consent (Next time you are at the doctor's ask them about HIPPA, which is the governmental policy prohibitting them from doing so). But, you should not wait to get your tumor taking care of. All its going to do is grow and become more difficult to treat.