I think much of the controversy about physicians asking their patients about access to firearms stems from a case where a zealous anti-RKBA pediatrician in Florida who "fired" a child from their practice (i.e. refused to treat them any longer) because their parent(s) owned firearms and some dispute ensued. I don't know the specifics that went down and there may only be two people in the world that really know what transpired, but it's easy to imagine a crossroads where the parent was uncomfortable giving out information about firearms ownership and the pediatrician was imposing their own opinions upon the patient/parent. It's a shame really because the pediatrician may have otherwise been a very good provider and that patient-doctor relationship shouldn't have ended because of a difference in opinions between the parent and physician. However, a pediatrician should ask about firearms in the home to ensure parents are aware they're kept out of reach of children. Not all parents are as responsible as those members that frequent this forum, nor are all children as obedient and mindful as the children of this forum's members. Seeing a kid with a gunshot wound to his face was enough for me to realize reasonable screening questions transcended any parent's potential concerns about being asked such questions. I agree it's a personal question but that's precisely the nature of the questions you're asked at a physician's appointment. However, the other leading causes of pediatric death need to be addressed as well. A pediatrician would be remiss if they asked about firearms ownership (and more to the point that they were kept out of the reach of children who by nature are curious) but neglected to address children not wearing bicycle helmets, locked gates around swimming pools, use of car seats, etc. I enjoy talking with some of my patients about firearms (often at the expense of a waiting room that gets increasingly congested). I don't advertise my firearms collecting hobby. Nor do I advertise my interest in old cars, off-roading vehicles, my family, etc. But when it comes up I've never had any patients clam up. The approach may be different, or maybe learning I'm a gun nut disarms them. But the bottom line is that physicians have good reasons to screen for ownership of firearms and you should feel perfectly free to explore why you're being asked about firearms ownership and the response you get should be logical and free of politicization. And as Mr. Ettin mentioned, primary docs often encounter suicidal patients before any specialists. In fact, without a primary doc's referral many patients wouldn't be able to make an appointment in my office (unless they paid out of pocket up front- and I can't even afford my own rates...), so psychiatrists, pediatricians, internists, family medicine docs, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, nurses, office staff, medical students, residents, and social workers are all going to inevitably ask screening questions for risk stratification. If you disclose that you practice unprotected sex with multiple partners then expect a talk about condom use. If you disclose that you own firearms then expect a talk about keeping them out of reach of children or questions to ensure you're not suicidal. You never know, the person asking you that question may own over a dozen AR-15's...