Legal Question in Immigration Law in California
Privacy Between Patient and Insurance company
Does you medical insurance company have the right to notify your employer if you went to recieve emergency care for doing narcotics. I went to the emergency room and I am worried that if I use my insure they will notify my employer. Can they do this and will they do this?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Privacy Between Patient and Insurance company
Thanks for your posting. Normally, medical providers, AND insurance companies, cannot disclose medical information without your express, written authorization.
The only exception is where some medical condition is a crime, i.e. under the influence of illegal narcotics, or where you pose a health danger to others (requiring the doctors to comply with a duty to report to the DMV or police or child protective services, etc.).
I don't believe there are any such duties of your employer. This does not appear to be an immigration question, as your heading states, but best of luck to you, and feel free to email with any further questions.
Re: Privacy Between Patient and Insurance company
Just off the top of my head, I think if they report that to ANYONE, it will violate your privacy, as well as your doctor-patient rights. Call your lawyer or me (323)782-0099 if they do that.