Scan Medical Insurance

Dealing With This......Plus Insurance Question?

I'm a 22 year old student and I am still on my parent's medical insurance until I graduate in May. Recently, I had a pap smear that came back abnormal. My doctor sent me for a second referral for HPV. The doctor ran some tests and I have to have a coloscopy next week. My pap results were low grade, yet I'm terrifed I will need further medical procedures to treat my HPV. I don't want my parent's to know about this. Mainly b/c HPV is a sexually transmitted disease and I'm very ashamed of that. I'm unsure what to do if I need a major medical procedure. Right now, I've been going to doctors appointments without them knowing. However, I'm fearful they will find out if the insurance company contact's my parents about billing matters and such. What should I do in this situation, 1) if I need more intensive procedures and 2) if I don't , how to I keep the doctors appointment, etc hidden/private from my parents. I pay the co-pays at each doctors visit.

Public Comments

1. Since you are over 18 your parents should not be able to obtain any of your medical records without your permission due to the HIPPA law. Be aware your parents know when you go to the doctor because the received an Explanation of Benefits from the insurance company each time you go but the only thing on it is the doctor's name, charges, and what the insurance paid. What you have is very common. You may just want to tell you mom you are having a GYN problem and your are having to go to the doctor. Go to your student health services or the local health department and they can explain your abnormal pap smear and what to expect and ask them if there is a place where you can get treatment if you need it without your parents knowing about There is no reason to be ashamed. It is very common and it also makes you aware of the need for protection when having sex.
2. Since you are over 18, they cannot notify your parents. This is based on HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations, that your medical information cannot be given to anyone. This only applies in the USA.