Is seeing a doctor going to get 'alcoholic' on my permanent record?
 

I want to get some medical intervention or rehab but I'm worried that my alcohol problem will be on some kind of record attached to my name forever. How does this work? Are there any facilities or doctors that will keep all info private?

I'm not sure in the UK its confidential only on a dr records

Hi Alcoholic1000

based on past posts I've read from members who work in the area it shouldn't be a problem under HIPAA.

I'm one of those who always recommends seeing a Dr if you need one.
Anythings better than death or disability from drinking.

D

Medical records are private.

However, the way I see it, my alcoholic drinking is likely to show up on a medical record at some point, in 1 of 2 ways.

1. I sought medical assistance (prescription) to help with detox on my way to getting sober.

2. I never sought medical help for my alcoholism. However, my alcoholism shows up as the cause of death in a coroner's report.

It's a simple choice in my mind.

As far as I know, medical records are private.

Any records are confidentential and will not be released to a third party without your written permission.

Get the help you need.

The only thing I will caution you on is the fact that my drinking issues are in my medical records and when I applied for life insurance, that was the grounds for a denial.

HIPPA provides privacy protection , unless court ordered. Now in terms of courts , it's not usually going to make a difference if you sought help. It becomes an issue if you were forced or ordered into rehab.

In other words , if you need help , get help. Because it becomes more difficult if you are being ordered , by law , etc into a rehab facility.