Questions from my Doctor

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JohnnyJohnsoninWI

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My first post on THR; here goes.

I just returned from a doctor appointment for my 4 year old daughter. Part of the routine list of questions they always ask include; Do you have guns in the house?, Do you have handguns?, Are they locked in a safe?, Do they have trigger locks?, Is the ammunition stored seperately?. My answers are entered into their laptop computers.

I've heard that the AMA or whatever medical associations tend to lean anti-gun and I wonder what these "routine questions" are really for. If they are strictly concerned with the welfare of my child, why don't they ask me if I have a swimming pool?

I asked my doctor why he was asking these questions and why he didn't ask about other potentially dangerous objects such as swimming pools and he kind of dodged the subject. He did say the questions were routine and the information didn't go any where.

Questions are seldom asked strictly for the fun of asking them. I wonder what would happen if I answered their questions in a manner besides what they want to hear. It could be an expensive experiment. Would my insurance rates increase or I be dropped? Would the sheriff pay a visit because they got a report that I was recklessly endangering my child?

I'm tempted to refuse to answer their questions.

What do you guys recommend?

Thanks,
John
 
First, welcome to the pack. Lots of good information here.
I'm not a conspiracy theorist but it seems odd he would ask those questions. I've heard of other doctors asking the same questions and wonder if the AMA or some other medical organization is prompting the docs to ask what is essentially none of their business. As you said, why aren't they asking about other potential hazards in the home. I suppose I would answer his questions honestly but I'd ask him a few questions first...such as, 'why are you asking?', and wouldn't let him dance around the answer. It could be he is covering his butt against the possibility of a law suit...just a guess.
 
Welcome to THR. You have a good topic, but I'd suggest you use the search function as several other threads have covered this and many people don't want to repeat themselves so responses may be limited. (Or not!)

I flat out refused to answer these questions and strongly suggest you do too. Once it is in a medical record it is no longer private. Restricted yes, but not private. These questions are a political action, not medical. The potential for mis-use is real.
 
The pediatric association suggested they be asked - protect kids from guns, etc.

I would strongly suggest you don't be a smart guy and answer in a manner that suggests danger to a child. Professionals (depending) are mandated to report such.

If you do and the law shows up, you deserve it.
 
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I'd either politely refuse to answer his questions or turn it around and start asking HIM questions that go beyond the doctor/patient relationship that make him uncomfortable. Hopefully he would get the idea and stop asking others as well.
 
I don't answer any questions on medical questioniers that don't specifically apply to what ever I'm being treated for.

And I've never been asked about the blank spaces. :neener:
 
I would strongly suggest you do be a smart guy and answer in a manner...
Click to expand...

I think you meant to say, I suggest you do not be a smart guy...

All that aside, I would absolutely give the doctor a piece of my mind. They have HIPPA for privacy concerns? Well, I have privacy concerns of my own.

Specifically, my potential engagement in a legal activity is absolutely none of the doctor's concern.

I had questions like that on a "new patient questionaire" that was among the paperwork I had to fill out about two years ago. When I reached that point, I tore up the questionaire. I returned the torn-up questionaire with the remainder of the paperwork (properly filled in) and not a word was said. When the doctor saw me, I mentioned to him that I was most disturbed by the questions asked on the questionaire. He told me that it was "optional". I told him that my choice of him as a doctor was also optional.

BTW, that was the last visit I paid to his office. My new doctor respects my privacy.
 
The pediatric association suggested they be asked - protect kids from guns, etc.

I would strongly suggest you do be a smart guy and answer in a manner that suggests danger to a child. Professionals (depending) are mandated to report such.

If you do and the law shows up, you deserve it.
Click to expand...

You're a good sheep! Obama loves you!
 
yes the Govt is collecting data on you. You are right to question what gun ownership has to do with your health or that of your offspring. I think you guys (Americans) get people that come around and ask censor questions. Often they are ACORNS'. Under the constitution they can ask how many people live there, but not how many guns you have or if you support Obama or any other question for that matter. They do anyway. They also GPS your front door, strictly for non-nefarious reasons you understand.
 
Dear abby taught me how to answer verbal questions like that in a column from years ago; Smile pleasantly and respond: "Now why would you ask a thing like that?" (If it is on a questionaire, I'd enter N/A, as per the above suggestion-a swiss-neutral response on paper.).

If a medical professional was asking in person and had the gall to press through the above verbal response (which would take some explaining, the way it is phrased), I'd probably respond that discussions of my property ownership, "whether it be jewelry, cars, guns, golf clubs, or paintings" is not a medical concern.

FWIW.
 
My newest doc has a CCW permit. :)
I agree with the others - none of thier business, period. if they are gun people, like my doc, and want to shoot the breeze about loads/holster, sure, but the questionaire? Nope.
 
Ask the doctor if she is qualified to offer you expert advice in any area related to firearms, and what negligence her insurance covers.

It would be nice to have someone to sue, because I wasn't warned that a mouse-gun might cut my hand a little, or that a shotgun might leave a mark on my shoulder. Not to mention the hypothermia if you hunt.
 
Thing is, on a per-owning-household basis, swimming pools are about a hundred times more lethal to children under 5 than guns are, yet the AAP handouts for that age group didn't even mention pools when I last looked at them, but went on and on about how eeeee-villll guns are.
 
I would not answer those questions on a questionaire at all. If asked in person I would just flatly tell him its none of his business.
 
id tell him i did until 2 tragic boating accidents......

or id rather not answer any questions on that subject then start wiping my eyes like it was bringing a tear to my eye (hey sometimes when i see a truely beautiful gun it will bring a tear to my eye)

gun lover where did you find the shirt
 
Best advice I saw was the guy who said to write N/A on the form.

If my childs doc persisted, I would ask if he has a problem with alcohol abuse, drug abuse, if he is a pedophile etc. Those would be relevant questions regarding the fitness of my childs primary care giver. Then I would think of some more, like, gambling addiction, has he been sued for malpractice, etc. Would seem as relevant or more so than my gun ownership. I would tell him I will be bringing in a form for him to fill out. I would ask about felonies, divorce, spousal abuse. I could have some fun with that kind of thing.

Maybe then he would start to understand being on the receiving end of something someone might consider an irrelevant invasion of privacy.
 
I wouldn't answer those questions with anything other than an NA. It's none of the pediatrician's concern.

I do want to point out that if you have a 4 year old in the house Trigger Locks, Gunsafes and separate ammo aren't a bad idea. I've got a 3 year old and she can get into about anything so I'm not taking any chances. You gun proof your kid but you also need to take proactive steps to keep them safe as well. Just like you would with any other household item that could cause them harm.

Raleigh
 
i asked a doctor a few years ago "what firearm is it that seems to be making people sick? i will keep an eye out for it......"
 
thanks for your replies

It sounds like we are basically of one opinion.

To clarify, I don't believe it's just our doctor (or his nurse) asking these questions. Instead, I believe these are boiler plate questions that every doc in the clinic is supposed to ask. These standard form questions are probably dictated to the clinic by a higher authority (corporate entity).

Thanks,

John
 
They may be required by their bosses to ask, but you sure as heck are not required to answer.
 
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