do yo uhave to give your social security number when you go to the doctors and why do they want it?

Answer 1

No, you don't have to give your SS# except for Social Security related issues.

The doctor's office is attempting to make sure that they can sue you for nonpayment if you default and there is no insurance.

Answer 2

You have every reason to guard your Social Security number and give it out only when absolutely necessary. Beth Givens, director of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, says there is “a significant amount of evidence showing ID theft cases emanate from medical offices.”
Nabil Istafanos, Premera’s Vice President of Compliance and Ethics, says the Social Security number is often needed “when coordinating benefits among different insurance carriers.”

Some patients have coverage from both their own job and their spouse’s employer. In those situations Social Security numbers are still used to figure out what part of the claim each carrier should pay. Your Premera ID number means nothing to other health insurance companies, but they can identify you through your Social Security number. In addition, all Medicare claims are based on a patient’s Social Security number.

If your new doctor is asking for a Social Security number, ask if they really need it. If you need a simple procedure, at a small office, only one insurance company is involved, and there’s no Medicare claim, your insurance ID number may be enough. Just remember, if there’s any sort of problem with processing the claim, the lack of a Social Security number could slow down reimbursement.

Also, there are no laws prohibiting a medical provider from denying service if you refuse to supply your Social Security number, according to Givens.

Social Security history
The Social Security number was never designed to be a personal identifier. In fact, when the Social Security law was passed in 1935, the Social Security Account Number, its original name, was meant to identify the account, not the person.

That’s not the case today. There are few prohibitions against the use of the Social Security number in the private sector and it is widely used by the federal government. It is “in such extraordinarily wide use” it has become “a de facto personal identifier,” according to a Health and Human Services White Paper.

In July of 1998, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed creating a unique identifier for health purposes. Using a number other than the patient’s Social Security number would increase privacy and limit the health provider’s access to a patient’s credit and financial information. No action has been taken on this proposal.

Answer 3

usually they ask for it with regards to your health insurance and it's usually only needed if they need to coordinate multiple insurances. Some patients have coverage from both their own job and their spouse’s employer. In those situations Social Security numbers are still used to figure out what part of the claim each carrier should pay.

If you are just going in for one procedure and you do not have multiple insurances, as long as your health/dental insurance company uses a different number, you should not be required to give your SSN.

Also, there are no laws prohibiting a medical provider from denying service if you refuse to supply your Social Security number.

Answer 4

You should be very careful about sharing your number and card to protect against misuse of your number. Giving your number is voluntary even when you are asked for the number directly. If requested, you should ask:

Why your number is needed;
How your number will be used;
What happens if you refuse; and
What law requires you to give your number.
The answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to give your Social Security number. The decision is yours

Answer 5

Unfortunately our social security number is synonymous with our identity. Most are now using an alternative number, but still need SS to ID you.

Answer 6

No, you do not have the provide the number. I don't know why they ask for it, but if you have insurance you provide them with a copy of your card which has an ID number for you on it (a lot of companies used to use your SSN but don't anymore). If they really press you for it, offer to give them the last 4 digits only.

Answer 7

I've never given my social security number to anyone at the doctor's office. They should be ok with a photo ID and/or insurance card. I would think twice before giving my social to anyone.

Answer 8

Usually it is required, for billing purposes and insurance forms as well as to ensure if someone has the same name they don't mix you up. Also if you don't pay your bill you could end up with a balance and they have the right to collect it using your social for credit reporting and judgements.

Answer 9

yes, they cant give out you medical history or SSN that would be a violation of HIPPA.
Office for Civil Rights - HIPAA
Medical Privacy - National Standards to Protect the Privacy of Personal Health Information

Answer 10

I used to work at a doctor's office and was told if people didn't want to give out their SS, they didn't have to. I believe it was kept on file for insurance and possible insurance fraud, but it's not mandatory for you to give it out. If they ask and tell you they need to have it, feel free to ask for a manager to get an explanation of why.