Interesting Medical Question

[Beancounter]

I find it interesting that some replying to this post indicate they refuse to provide their social security number.  I tried that once and the medical provider explained it was necessary to process my Medicare claim. If I refused to provide it I had two options.  First, I would have to pay upfront for the full cost of services provided and not the Medicare negotiated rate.  Secondly, the medical provider I was seeing could (and would) refuse service.

This hullabaloo about refusing to provide a social security number is stupid.  It’s false security if you think by not providing it you’re financially transactions are safer.  Try not providing your SSN to a bank and see what happens. 

[+ sniper]

The horse is out of the barn when it comes to everyone's personal data. Frankly it's incredible there isn't vastly more identity fraud than there is.

[+ purplekow]

11 hours ago, APPLE1 said:

I've found it to be a double edged sword. @purplekow I am by no means accusing you of this, but I think the ideal would be to find a doctor who doesn't assume my sexual orientation is the most likely cause of any complaint. If I present with stomach issues, "giardia" may belong on the possible list of causes, but it's not quite an Occam's razor simply because I am gay. 

I really wish the doctor's online profile told me THEIR sexual orientation. It might give me the best prediction for a doctor who is more "aware" of the possibilities, but not so prejudiced as to assume it was the root cause of every ailment. 

Any evaluation of a patient requires as much information as possible regarding the illness and the patient.  A physician should never assume that any one factor is the most likely cause of a particular medical issue, neither should they ignore pertinent data.  If you do not supply the information or the physician does not request it, a disservice is being done to your health care.  

I believe it would be prudent to select a doctor based on one's experience with the doctor, rather than by considering with whom he has sex, any more than one would select a contractor based on the same date.  If you wish to support gay professionals, make sure you select a well trained one with whom you have a good rapport.  

If you think your doctor is assuming that all your ailments are related to your sexual orientation or your smoking, or your weight issue, or your age,  it is time to find another doctor, gay or not, who takes time to question you thoroughly about the illness and makes a well considered plan based on all the facts at hand.  

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

12 hours ago, Beancounter said:

Try not providing your SSN to a bank and see what happens. 

You give your bank your Social Security Number?!   Banks only need to verify your identity, not your social security number.  I show them my passport instead.

12 hours ago, Beancounter said:

 I tried that once and the medical provider explained it was necessary to process my Medicare claim.

Ah, that's the key.  Don't give in after only trying once.  Call their bluff.  Tell them you don't remember your social security number and you'll provide it next time.  When next time comes and they ask for it again, tell them they were able to process the insurance the first time without the info, so they really don't need it.  Or just say you forgot it again.   I've done this before, and eventually they stop asking.

[Beancounter]

I’m not sure where you bank but my bank is required to report my interest earnings to the IRS for all interest earnings over $10.00.  How do you propose the bank report that information?   
 

Let’s agree to disagree on that issue.  
 

And if the medical provider refuses me service because I refuse to provide my SSN, what am I to do?   
 

Perhaps we should get back to the original intent of this post.  

[Thelatin]

I was in the er feeling miserable a few years back and questions about my sexual activities came up, that poor young male nurse lol.  They sent him back to me three times with more questions, all of which I answered yes.  The last time he just stuck his head in the door - “yes, I did that too”.

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

15 hours ago, Beancounter said:

I’m not sure where you bank but my bank is required to report my interest earnings to the IRS for all interest earnings over $10.00.  How do you propose the bank report that information?   

22 Banks That Don’t Require Social Security Numbers

WWW.CREDIFUL.COM

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Learn about banks that don't require a Social Security number to open an account. Suitable for immigrants...

https://www.creditdonkey.com/banks-without-social-security-number.html

Banks That Don't Require Social Security Numbers

WWW.MYMILLENNIALGUIDE.COM

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Banks that don't require Social Security numbers often require alternate forms of identification...

 

And on healthcare:

No, You Don't Have To Give Your Doctor Your Social Security Number

WWW.HUFFPOST.COM

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It's actually pretty risky if you do.

 

15 hours ago, Beancounter said:

Perhaps we should get back to the original intent of this post.  

 

My doctor didn't have to ask if I was gay.  He saw me at a Strip club then we both knew each other was gay. 

 

But I'm NOT going to show him my Gay Card as identification (it's Platinum Star status), lest his office leak out my Gay ID#. 😉 

Edited July 2 by Vegas_Millennial

[chitownguy]

You don't need a SSN to open a bank account.  But if you receive interest payments reportable on a 1099 and don't give the bank your SSN the payments can be subject to backup withholding.

From the IRS website:

When you open a new account, make an investment, or begin to receive payments reportable on Form 1099, you must provide your TIN. For certain types of payments, you must provide the TIN in writing and certify under penalties of perjury that it's correct. In those cases, the bank or business will give you Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification or a similar form. If your account or investment will earn interest or dividends, you must also certify that you're not subject to backup withholding due to previous underreporting of interest or dividends.

You may be subject to backup withholding and the payer must withhold at a flat 24% rate when:

you don't give the payer your TIN in the required manner