Question About Doctor - Patient Confidentiality

[locked*n*loaded]

If one is lucky enough to have health insurance that covers "mental health", how much information is the therapist/psychologist/psychiatrist required to give the insurance company for billing purposes? Do they have to provide "specifics" in regard to what they are treating you for, ie. depression, eating disorders, whatever (their diagnosis)? Is that kind of information required in the US system in order for the treatment providers to get paid? Or, is it much more general, so that the insurance company doesn't really know what you're being treated for? Just curious.

 

[WanderingWater]

The paperwork will have billing and diagnostic codes indicating your diagnosis such as Depression, eating disorders, etc. It is specific and required for payment to the provider.

 

[locked*n*loaded]

The paperwork will have billing and diagnostic codes indicating your diagnosis such as Depression, eating disorders, etc. It is specific and required for payment to the provider.

Well, I guess the patient - doctor confidentiality thing just goes right out the window, then, huh?

 

[WanderingWater]

Not really, transcripts of your sessions are not revealed only diagnostic codes. Business is Business.

 

[locked*n*loaded]

Not really, transcripts of your sessions are not revealed only diagnostic codes. Business is Business.

Yeah, but your identity for the specific diagnosis is still associated with you, isn't it? I mean it seems that one's identity, at the very least, should be anonymized, or, maybe, converted over to a patient - specific identification number or something. What if someone who is doing the billing at the insurance company happens to know you, maybe a distant cousin or something. Is it right for them to know all about your health conditions and treatments? And what if they took it even a step further and told someone else in your family, a closer family member, what you are being treated for. I understand that there would be repercussions for doing something like that for them, but, hey, once the cat is out of the bag.............? After all, a diagnosis is a diagnosis, even without all the transcriptional details.

 

[WanderingWater]

Yes, you are officially diagnosed with your name, d.o.b. and health insurance numbers.

You can always private pay. That's your only option to remain anonymous.

What "ifs" does not get your assistance for your situation.

Please do not allow catastrophic thinking stop you in the tracks.

Take advantage of the benefits you pay for. Honestly, no one is looking and seeking to harm you in any way by seeking services.

There many telehealth affordable options. Please take advantage of this.