Tag Archives: health

My Rant DuJour: Privacy Issues and Medical Care

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I know, I know, I’m always complaining about these things…

But I got a referral to a dermatologist recently. Not a big deal, just a little bump that needed to be checked out. I traveled two hours to get there because the referral was made before my recent move North. Not a huge deal, but not much fun early on a Friday morning.

It also decided to snow that morning. After 70+ degree temps, it decided to snow. So be it.

My iPhone mapping program apparently didn’t have the most recent maps and sent me to BFE instead of to the new medical plaza area in Somerset, KY. I arrived on time, but barely.

When I arrived, I was asked for my insurance card. Not a problem. I was then asked for my social security number. I’m used to avoiding this issue. I’ve not had to raise my voice or tilt my tone over this in many months because I selected an insurance provider that doesn’t require that I use this as a form of identification. I like that. I refuse to give such info to just anyone. It’s unnecessary.

I explained that my group and member number would suffice. They disagreed. They also asked me for a copy of my drivers license. I asked why they needed it. They needed a photo ID. I asked why.

Because, I was told, it would protect me from anyone claiming to be me walking in and getting my private records. It was for my own good, they said. I asked how that would protect me. They said that they made a copy of the photo ID and put it in my file and it was in their computer so they would compare it to anyone asking for my info. I told them I understood and handed them a copy of my business card, which has a photo image on the front.

They said that was unacceptable. They needed an official photo. I regurgitated the reason they had just given me and said (holding the image up to my face) that this should suffice to visually identify me should that need ever arise.

They said it was a new mandate and was going into effect next year. I told them we could discuss it next year. They said that it had to be in order by April 1st for their office. I pointed out that it was not yet the end of March, so I shouldn’t be affected. Long story short… I was denied service because I would not produce my drivers license.

I didn’t really care for their privacy policy either, which stated that I could request that they not share my information, but they had final say on that and although they would take my wishes into consideration, they would do as they pleased. Isn’t that cool? I’m so glad they would consider my wishes about my information. They are so thoughtful!

Might I also add that they got all squirrel-ly when I asked to see a copy of the privacy policy that I was signing the paper to say that I’d been provided. They finally handed me a framed copy under glass, rather than one I could keep with my own records.

They were also a bit huffy when I prepared to leave and asked that my papers (the ones I filled out with my personal information before I was declined service) be returned to me. I was told they would shred them. I told them no, that they would hand them over to me and I would shred them myself. I stood there unmoving, unflinching until the receptionist rightly determined that I’d be less trouble if they just handed over the papers in question than if she continued to decline my request.

I cannot possibly be the only person in the world that refuses to cough up every piece of personal information requested when seeking services. Note that word… SERVICES. I’m paying for them, I should be treated accordingly.

When I went to the local hospital later that same day for some x-rays (it was a whole tripping over the dog in the middle of the night, catching myself in the dark and subsequently spraining my thumb and knocking it completely out of socket incident)… I was not treated like an idiot when I declined to give them my social security number. They always ask, I always decline. It’s not a big deal. They don’t decline to offer me service.

Are people so eager to share this info that they assume that if it’s requested that it’s required? Does no one question these things anymore? Am I just bringing drama to my door by refusing?

Venison: low-fat, high-vitamin meat option

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My uncle came by yesterday afternoon with a cooler full of venison for me. I don’t usually have venison, but it’s so nutritious, I’m going to be cooking with it more this year. I found space in my freezer for about 25 1-pound ground packages.

Venison is one of the best low-fat meats (even lower fat than salmon, turkey and chicken!) And, it’s now being commonly farm raised for the meat quality. My venison was of the wild-caught variety and may be a bit stronger tasting (and more nutritious) than the domesticated type.

This high-quality red meat also contains fewer calories than other red meats and the additional bonus of offering a great source of heme iron (a readily absorbed variety). It’s also a great source of B-12, Niacin, B-6, and riboflavin. And is a good source of phosphorous, selenium, zinc and copper.

So, I’m investigating good recipes for ground venison and hope to find a few that make me plan to have venison in the freezer every fall. I have a farm that’s simply loaded with deer and an uncle that’s always looking for a great place to hunt. (He also has a butcher that takes it from felled to freezer without the need to dress it out.)

I referred to my bookshelf for all the nutritional values. (The World’s Healthiest Foods is a great resource. My copy is well-worn.)

From that book, I learned that I shouldn’t serve the venison to my sons (both of whom have had kidney stone problems in the last couple years), because the meat does contain purines, which can encourage the growth of uric acid based stones and gout in people with those tendencies.

That appears to be the only “downside” to eating venison instead of beef (and even beef has a moderately high level of purine).

(Note: photo courtesty of jpkwitter)

Daily blogging commitment

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I joined Nablopom several weeks back, committing myself to a daily blog for the entire month of November. I decided that my Twitters didn’t count, nor did posts on other blogs (like my ActiveRain blog or my contributions on RemoteProfessionals.com or other sites.) And, honestly, it’s been a struggle.

I think if I didn’t HAVE to blog daily, it would be easier. But this came at a good time, and it has helped to keep me focused on my blog during a period of time when I’d probably let my blog slide. When things are particularly challenging, I usually don’t talk about the details on the blog. I talk about the symptoms, on occasion, but not the cause. I only explain the cause after the fact if at all. Let’s just say that trying to blog right now is difficult.

I do like the idea of daily blogging, in the same way I’ve always thought it would be great to follow in the footsteps of the great men and women in American history who journaled every day. Continue reading →

Healthy Food Choices: A Chart from My Mother

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Here’s an informative chart about the value of various wholesome foods, which arrived by email from my mother this week.

Personally, I’d recommend using organic versions of these to boost the value even more. Staying healthy with excellent whole food choices in your diet is one of the best ways to save money and improve overall health.

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Want To Know Why I Refuse to Buy Regular Meat? An Organic, Human (and Humane) Approach to My Food Supply

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Many of my family and friends don’t understand why I pay more for organic foods. I just don’t want all those extra chemicals in my body. The entire family was organic for awhile, but my husband and the children didn’t want to be JUST organic, so they have re-joined the mainstream. I have not. I avoid food that isn’t chemical free, and when I find myself in a situation where I must eat what’s not organic, I select those items which involve the fewest pesticides, additives and other chemicals.

People who have been to the store with me are often amazed that I’ll spend so much for a dozen eggs in order to get free-range, cage free, no antibiotic-laden eggs. They also don’t understand why I pay so much per pound for the small amount of meat that I do still consume. I only buy from farmers dedicated to animal well-being and those who don’t use preventative antibiotics and chemical laden food supplies for their herds, flocks, etc. I prefer grass-fed and free-range. I’m not a zealot. I love meat. But I believe that quality of life should be a priority and the end of life — all life — should be as humane as possible. Period.

I just found a video on the meat industry that helps me to explain my views — not only from a health standpoint, but also from a humane standpoint. If you want to view the video, be forewarned that it’s graphic and unsettling. With that said… Continue reading →