How to get an Official Dx:

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Hi-

I have been reading everyone's stories who have trouble getting a dx. That is very sad, but I understand. I had to wait and then it was with difficultiy to find a T that dealt with adults. We are the ones they don't want to touch.

I was fianlly dxed after 8 weeks of intense testing. I have Aut disorder. But,s ee, I KNEW THAT jsut like you do!

If I had to do it again and could not find anyone and had to go through my GP, I would just say up front:

" I was dxed with autism as a kid. I want to see if I am still Autistic. " Even if Iw as not.

They dr's are not perfect. They are influenced by your history, not what you say to them.

Once it is on yoru record, there it is forever.

I am not saying to lie, -maybe say that you have autism and say how yo u banged head, didn't talk, etc.......

but if you know you have it and if the tests are so subjective a nd there is no blood work, genetic tests, etc., and you need the dx for care or for peace of mind, you know who yo uare. You know yourself best.

SOmetimes we have to do whaat we have to do.

only if you show the next doctor your record.

I have a DX. The professional that DXed me has a copy and I have a copy. If I never show the next professional that copy or tell him about the other Dr. how the $%@! will anyone ever know?

I mean, they didn't know for 58 years until I browbeat a DX out of them, so how would another professional know with out me telling them?

it isn't like junior high.

Merle

In some states medical records are no longer as private as they used to be and now with the new federal requirement of a national medical digital database to be created it is unlikely that any records will ever again be private. Even today in most states if you apply for any type of health or life insurance one of the documents you sign is a realease form that authorizes the underwriters to obtain all of your past records.

Do you know what the time frame is on enacting this legislation?

The complete HIPAA law is concentrated in simplifying the health care system and ensuring security for patients. Title IV is a safeguard ensuring the protection of privacy for your medical information. Along with federally ensuring your privacy, the HIPAA law is intended to lead to reduced fraudulent activity and improved data systems.

Some health care providers have taken steps such as controlling access to offices with medical files by electronic key card systems and only allowing employees limited access to the minimum amount of information needed. In addition, the use of special services to make electronic transactions secure is also being used by many medical facilities and insurance providers. If you have concerns about what your health care provider or physician is doing to comply with the HIPAA law, ask them what steps they have taken to ensure your privacy and if they are taking more prevention measures in the future.

I comply with the HIPAA regulations at least 30 times a day and want you to know there are stiff penalties (and job loss) if they are disregarded or circumvented. Only DXes known to the system are in the system. You can get a DX privately and it is not reported to insurance, as insurance only discriminates if the private DX is not covered by the insurance but billed as a DX in an insurance claim.

I suppose being 'in the business' I have a bit more insight into the issues than just what ever I heard through the grapevine.

Merle

It is amazing how much of ones so-called confidential medical information is available to any good skip-tracer and that many medical groups routinely sell patient records to data-miners. There are at least three bills presently pending to tighten up on data mining laws. Most patient information comes from the insurance companies and the public education system. The patient confendientially ethic rules have been greatly relaxed in recent years and are the subject of several new study groups. Indeed if you do not pay with a credit card, do not use insurance and live in a smaller community you probably can keep your condition a secret but it is scary how much can be so easily gathered. Of course it is doubtful if the specifics of your Dx would be made public but just the fact that you did go to a psychiatrist can cause problems.

I also need to point out that not all medical groups are as good as the one that Merle has experience with. Read these 10 common myths about the HIPAA, especailly muth 2,7,9 and 10 to find just a few of the loopholes that allow you records to be accessed, sold and even archived by non-medical companies.
http://patients.about.com/od/yourmedica ... amyths.htm
It is a bad deal for everybody but as one who actually workd for a company collecting medical information on people working for particular compnaies I assure you that almost nothing is private in America anymore.

Damn straight! I proudly work for Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon. It is a not-for-profit organization and has no stockholders, it is member owned and has only the members to answer to. We made .07% profit last year and it was plowed back into the company. It is not the least expensive in the field, but it has the best value and is dearly cherished by its members and honorable to our contracted providers and out of plan providers as well. Our President, Mark Ganz, is working with the Dept of Health and Human Services to craft transparency and . . .

OK, OK, I started to sound like a commercial. Let's just say I couldn't work there if it were anything but square.

Merle

AW for the good old days, when I could be so demanding. For what it is worth, I HATED it when the company that bought my employer switched us away from BCBS. It probably costs THEM less, but will cost me more. BTW BCBS has an organization to FACILITATE treatment of mental problems, or emotional concerns. At this point, I wish I took advantage of it. They tried to PUSH me into taking advantage of it when I told them I was depressed.

If you are after a dx only for peace of mind how would attempting to manipulate the dr. into making the dx provide said peace of mind? If one pursues a dx to be sure shouldn't one provide as accurate and thorough info as possible?

I am probably missing something...

Good info Merle!

I would love to ask you why we are forced onto Medciare.....do you know? I had privatre ins. I had to give up. I can't understand this at all.

I know it is a law but considering the state of Medciare it makes no sense to force people onto it that can pay their own way.

it all depends, did you age into Medicare or is it disability?

Merle

so what do you do if you can't afford to see anyone about getting diagnosed?

Awesome! Time to get my "official" diagnosis so I can sit on my ass and take all of your money! Thanks government, and especially thanks to the OP for this awesome advice!