By MARY JANE BOLAND – Sunday Star Times | Sunday, 2 September 2007Email a Friend | Printable View | Have Your SayRelated Links
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AdvertisementInsurence companies are demanding access to patients’ confidential medical records in a move which has alarmed doctors and prompted privacy complaints.
The new hardline tactics are being blamed on insurers trying to shed riskier clients – in the past they simply asked for medical details about the claim involved.
In two cases where a GP’s notes were passed on, one professional with mental health problems was refused income protection insurance and another patient was refused cover for a minor health problem because it was evident 20 years earlier.
Privacy Commissioner Marie Shroff is taking a complaint from the Medical Association about the issue “very seriously” and is considering an investigation.
Some insurers want to see sensitive medical records before taking on patients as clients or accepting new claims from existing clients, usually for life or income protection insurance – not just health insurance. People who fail to disclose health issues pertinent to their policy can have claims refused.
Some doctors find it easier to pass on all medical notes rather than fill out insurance company questionnaires. Others say insurers are fishing for reasons to hike premiums or refuse claims.
“It’s really not on,” said North Shore GP Dr Margy Bryant. She said Sovereign – with 30% of New Zealand’s insurance market – recently started asking for patients’ full medical records.
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