Medical Confidentiality with Pet Insurance

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'm sure my situation is a fluke, but I'll let you know what happened just in case this happens to you or to urge you and your spouse to keep you information straight and corrected. 

Last week I called PetPlan because I had not heard from the regarding Spud's Insurance renewal. 

I had received PetPlans periodic newsletters, but no policy renewal.   The call operator told me, I was not the policy holder of Spud's account, therefore I could not make any changes, or inquire anything about the policy.  I was not on the account.  "Your husband will have to call us, make any changes, etc"

WHAAAAAAAAT?

I stopped fighting her and asked if I could just be told if the policy was near expiration? She told me no! No as in, " The policy is not about to expire"

I said I am sure the policy is close but can you tell me if it is due this week? Again, "NO"

I don't answer 800-numbers on my cell phone.  With Apple's iPhone upgrades I am no longer told I have pending voice mail, so I rarely check.  Today  I was shocked to find out, my  F.J.'s policy had expired on January 28th and they left me a few voice mails Friday and Saturday.

Typically they they just renew your account, but my credit card was hacked last February, so I was issued a new card and number.

Sorry-it is one complicated issue after another that made this all fail.

So, they have MY phone number ( not F.J.),  they had MY credit card name and number, not F.J., they have MY email, not F.J., but could not give me any information. 

So I totally did not follow-up as I just thought I would wait for the renewal email.  They claimed it went to email but I never received the email  They also could not tell me what that email address was.  So, I get a newsletter but no policy renewal?   I'll have to correct all that too.  My husband has to now call them to tell them the wife is allowed to inquire about her dog. Actually, a written FAX is in order. Ugh

Of course, they did take my $256.00 by credit card.  So, I can pay them, but I may not inquire about any information about my dog, F.J.'s Dog

PAID

 So, FYI, be sure your name and number are on the account if YOU are the one who will be doing any paperwork on the DOG.  It appears, dogs have confidential medical information now also.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

How odd! Did you call them back to see if another person could find your information on the account?
I recently had fraudulent activity on my debit card and had a new one issued. Pet plan sent me an email saying that my recurring payment couldn't be processed so I called them and updated my info. I never got a call tho. I prefer emails and thought it was convenient the sent me something right away.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yes, today I  got the SAME thing. No information can be given!  NONE.

Of course, they did take my $256.00 by credit card.  So, I can pay them, but I may not inquire about any information about my dog, F.J.'s Dog

PAID

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a kerfuddle. But they send me emails about the renewal.Who thought about HIPPA for dogs. Years ago, when my mother was no longer to take care of her affairs, I learned you have to do what you have to do. If I ran into a roadblock like yours, I tried a bit and then thanked them for their time.It was useless to tell them she couldn't call etc. I called back as my mother. Worked like a charm every time. You can always call back in a deeper voice to be FJ : )

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Working previously in a hospital and being around when HIPPA laws were all being implemented, I get it, however, I just never thought about it for my dog.  I also thought spousal information was... well.  I just remember my divorced mother in the 60s not being able to get phone, electric,or any other utilities because she did not have a husband. 

I kind of felt that way today.  Whattttttttttt??

I do understand the operator not being able to give me any information, but I am angry she did not tell me the policy was expiring.  That could have been a disaster

I am glad they had my phone number. MY PHONE NUMBER and tried to reach me otherwise, this could have gone bad.

So, bottom line, check your records and have them updated!!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Well, I am used to using a lot of ifs. If there were such a patient I might tell them such and such. The HIPPA laws carry huge fines believe or not. But I think,silly me, the patient has to come first. Creativity goes a long way in this life.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I can understand not giving out the actual vet info or other personal information, but just the expiration date?

So strange. We really have less privacy than ever before, but more rules and rigamarole to protect the privacy we don't have.

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

: )

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I don't remember  the application ever allowing me to add my name.  The only thing I remember is, even at the vet, Spud's name comes up as Roger .....

We use a vet that Roger has had since the 60s-a small boy.  All the animals, his, mine, and fosters come up with his name since it is an established account. 

I will have to add my name there I suppose and let them know, the issue we are having. I tried before, but they told me it was not needed.

I just walk in the door and say, "Hi, I'm Roger"  Good Enough

[F, Calla & Luca]

I like that level of trust. Now if I go for lab work or a mammogram or something you have to show ID. Like someone else would want my mammogram : (

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

The whole HIPPA thing drives me crazy.  When I volunteer in the hospital I can't even come home and say Oh guess who I saw today!  Not even that they are in the hospital.  However, the Dr. can come in the room and discuss whatever the heck is wrong with you right in front of whomever is in the bed next to you and whomever is visiting them.  No privacy there!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Sheri, you are so right. I saw that happening all the time.  And, last year, I was sitting there while they told my mother, " That's what happens when you are a diabetic"

Well, it was news to us and her.  And, it ended up being NOT TRUE.

But, they had no problem telling her all kinds of things as I sat there.  That is not right either. 

[Adina P]

I dont think docs are supposed to discuss matters while guests are in the room either :/