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Going to see a kidney doctor today, on the form one of the questions is if I have a psychiatric problem which I interpret as a mental disorder, which I do. I was professionally diagnosed by a psychologist with a dissociative disorder, dissociative disorder not otherwise specified is the specific name for my mental disorder, it just means that I didn't meet the diagnosis for Depersonalization disorder since I have more symptoms, but why would a kidney doctor want to know this? What can they do with this information? Are they going to contact my health insurance about it? I never used or plan to use my health insurance for mental health. Can they notify my employer? I don't get it. Should I even put that on the form? My last therapist told me it isn't a good idea to use health insurance for mental health, something about they can deny you in the future or something like that
Going to see a kidney doctor today, on the form one of the questions is if I have a psychiatric problem which I interpret as a mental disorder, which I do. I was professionally diagnosed by a psychologist with a dissociative disorder, dissociative disorder not otherwise specified is the specific name for my mental disorder, it just means that I didn't meet the diagnosis for Depersonalization disorder since I have more symptoms, but why would a kidney doctor want to know this? What can they do with this information? Are they going to contact my health insurance about it? I never used or plan to use my health insurance for mental health. Can they notify my employer? I don't get it. Should I even put that on the form? My last therapist told me it isn't a good idea to use health insurance for mental health, something about they can deny you in the future or something like that
All these doctors anymore ask that question. I just took my young adult sons to a new dentist and they asked a few questions along that line. I think they are just trying to get an overall knowledge of their new patient. I don't think they will do anything with that information.
Last edited by brokencrayola; 04-18-2013 at 02:02 AM..
Reason: spelling
Probably because many medications people need for various psychiatric disorders have side effects that involve the kidney. And some medications that treat the kidney, have side effects and contraindications with medicines for psychiatric disorders.
So even if you're not currently being medicated for those psych problems, you have the psych problems, which means it's likely that you will be medicated for them at some point in the future. A kidney doctor needs to know that, because he needs to know what he might be dealing with in the future, not just what he's dealing with this particular moment. His treatment and/or recommendations for your kidney problem might be different, if he knows that you're a likely candidate for a kidney-affecting psych med.
Probably because many medications people need for various psychiatric disorders have side effects that involve the kidney. And some medications that treat the kidney, have side effects and contraindications with medicines for psychiatric disorders.
So even if you're not currently being medicated for those psych problems, you have the psych problems, which means it's likely that you will be medicated for them at some point in the future. A kidney doctor needs to know that, because he needs to know what he might be dealing with in the future, not just what he's dealing with this particular moment. His treatment and/or recommendations for your kidney problem might be different, if he knows that you're a likely candidate for a kidney-affecting psych med.
That doesn't explain why all doctors have these questions on their forms, not just kidney doctors.
They most likely asked because as a doctor, I know it is always better to see the whole picture, even if it seems as if it wouldn't matter. Many different prescriptions can have side effects with other medicines, and sometimes they can end up effecting parts of your body, like your kidneys. It is very important to never lie to your doctor. They will never judge you or look down on you for having a problem whether it is physiological or not. Many times, telling the truth can end up saving your life! Good luck!
That doesn't explain why all doctors have these questions on their forms, not just kidney doctors.
I think it does actually. Drug interaction. Could be any drug from any doctor (ENT, cardiologist, etc).
There also might be liability concerns. Doctors are always looking to not get sued. Their malpractice insurance may require it. Ever notice you have to fill out 20 different forms which ask the same information over and over and over again? And they always want your SSN (which I never give to them).
I sometimes have fun on doctor's forms:
For Marital Status M D S W, I write "Swinger"
For Occupation I write "Power Loafer".
For age (when it is right next to birth date) I write "Today's Date - birth date"
Many different prescriptions can have side effects with other medicines, and sometimes they can end up effecting parts of your body, like your kidneys.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles
I think it does actually. Drug interaction. Could be any drug from any doctor (ENT, cardiologist, etc).
All they have to ask is what drugs you are taking. Period.
A complete medical history taken by ANY physician, PA or NP should include all aspects of the patient's health history: Medical, Surgical, Psychiatric, Family, Social.....
Doesn't matter whether that provider is in Family Practice or a Sub Specialty....
I think a doctor or dentist that knows that his new patient has some serious mental health problems will take more care in the way that he/she deals with the patient. I have 3 sons that all have Aspergers (a form of autism). They all just recently began being cared for by a new dentist. There were those kinds of questions on the paperwork I filled out for them. They talked to me about my sons and discovered that they all have a very low tolerance to pain, can get very agitated under stressful situations and do not function emotionally on the same level as others their same age. That being said we agreed for them to each take low dose Valium to get through their appointments, and that worked out well.
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