Are anyonomous hiv tests really anyonomous?

Question

Centers that do hiv anyonomous hiv testing say that no insurance company or doctor can find out if an individual has had a hiv test done if the results are negative. But since a blood sample is taken can't they actually find out your name even though you never gave it to them? Also when emails are sent to centers that do the testing do you think that your info is given to insurance companies?

Thanks!

Answer 1

NO. If you go to a testing center you have the option of using your real name or not - most people do not. The sample is taken and a number is assigned to the sample and to you. This is the only information they have to identify you. When you return for your follow up to receive your results, you need that number or they cannot give you the results. Why? They have no idea which one is yours.

Insurance companies don't call every clinic, hospital and doctor's office in your area to determine if you've been seen. The only way they'd know is if you had it documented somewhere that you'd gone and you gave that information to the insurance company.

Answer 2

If a blood test is taken, they would need to physically get ahold of the blood and compare it to your (I'm assuming already on file) DNA at the insurance company or medical clinic.

As for the emails, I would assume that patient-practitioner confidentiality would prevent them from disclosing that kind of information to Insurance companies. You'd have a lovely lawsuit if one tried though :)

Answer 3

The ones at your county health clinics are seriously anonymous.

Answer 4

I have found some information to help you.

www.AreUatRisk.com

www.ASHASTD.org

www.avert.org/testing.htm

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV_test

These are all about testing, information, rights, and Q & A.

Hope this hepls you.