[RadioheadFan]

I work in a very small office. They have just instituted a new policy regarding going to the doctor during the work day. We can go without any dock in hours or pay but we have to bring back the doctor's business card as proof. My problem is, I have ADHD and go to a psychiatrist for medication. I don't want to bring his business card into this small office. People are not very understanding when it comes to Adult ADHD so I have not told anyone here about it. Frankly, it is none of their business. It is not affecting my work. Is it illegal for them to ask for the doctor's business cared? How do I get around this without causing an upheaval?

[GinaPera]

Originally Posted by RadioheadFan

I work in a very small office. They have just instituted a new policy regarding going to the doctor during the work day. We can go without any dock in hours or pay but we have to bring back the doctor's business card as proof. My problem is, I have ADHD and go to a psychiatrist for medication. I don't want to bring his business card into this small office. People are not very understanding when it comes to Adult ADHD so I have not told anyone here about it. Frankly, it is none of their business. It is not affecting my work. Is it illegal for them to ask for the doctor's business cared? How do I get around this without causing an upheaval?

Geez, how intrusive! I guess they've dealt with too many people who are faking doctors excuses? Even so, I agree...it's none of their business what type of doctor you're seeing!

I don't know if this is illegal (it might vary by state), but it sure sounds like it. Because it is so outrageous, though, I wouldn't try to fight it. Given my knowledge of the work world, that could just put you on the "first to be laid off" list -- especially in this economy.

I would try some kind of workaround. For example, maybe you could explain the situation to your family physician or (better yet) dentist and ask for some business cards to keep on hand for just such occasions.

Also, some physicians will agree to phone visits, maybe every other month. And if you're visiting the MD just for the script, some insurance plans do allow mail-order prescriptions for a three-month supply of the stimulants. So, that might be worth checking out. It would save you having to come up with as many excuses, at any rate. (And it's usually cheaper.)

I hope that helps.

Gina Pera, author
Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.?
http://www.ADHDRollerCoaster.com

[Momof3]

I'm not an expert in legal matters but I don't think either it is none of their business.You might need to talk to you HR advisor in privacy and maybe if they insist bring the doctor card back to her/him.HR is usually bound by confidentatiality.I understand you perfectly.I was working in a small offfice and unfortunataly everybody knows what you have or what you don't have when you are sick.Is there any chance you could go to see the doctor after work or at the week-end or maybe if not possible you might need to take a holiday day and do you doctor visit in complete privacy.

[PartyPlanner]

I agree that this is an invasion of privacy but if you must, try a doctors' note instead. My doctor usually quickly writes them on his prescription pad, which has name/address/phone, etc like a business card: John Doe, MD. But it does not indicate what his practice is. This works, not just for psychiatrist, but "personal" doctors of any sort (gyn, urologists, etc.)

[Teresaann]

That was a great reply. All Dr.'s leave their business cards right out in the main office for their patients, just stop by & grab a couple one day to have on hand for the future. Or better yet, like she stated earlier discuss this with your family physician & he/she can write a FMLA letter to your employer, (Mine had to) re: you need to be seen on a regular basis for medical ressons. They do not list why; I have lupus & I need to be on several medications & have my levels in my blood & liver tested frequently. They work around it. That is a great plan they worked out in your office, I hope you can work around it. I have to use up 1/2 of my vacation days to cover Dr. visits every year, very frustrating. Good luck. Teresa

[Robin Holtson]

It sounds as though your office does not offer sick leave, which you could use for your doctor's appointments. I'm sure your doctor knows how to protect his/her patients' privacy, so ask for a note vs a business card.

Follow HIPPA guidelines (and remind your employer of them):
"The Privacy Rule does not prevent your supervisor, human resources worker or others from asking you for a doctor’s note or other information about your health if your employer needs the information to administer sick leave, workers’ compensation, wellness programs, or health insurance."

[dewoun]

Go to the dollar store and buy a box of envelopes. Put the card in the envelope, seal the envelope and write on the outside the following: HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR, (or the name and title of the person who receives this info) CONFIDENTIAL, and your name. If you have a human resource department, they have confidentiality policies they have to abide by. If you don't have an HR dept, review the companies policies on the subject. Regardless, it is illegal to discriminate, harass, or assault anyone.