I can’t believe a medical provider asked about guns in my house

[Outrider27]

If it's on a written form I simply answer N/A for "Not Applicable". If it's asked verbally, I have a bit more fun - I reply that I can't answer that question, as it sets me up for burglary regardless of my answer, as they may want to steal firearms, or they may be looking for an unarmed target, and I have no idea of who may gain access to the doctor's records.

 

[nakneker]

Crazy times, never thought I’d see the day where we are dealing with the reality all of us deal with on some level. We raised seven kids, 6 went to NAU, a liberal sess pool of a place. All of them asked me not post any hunting or fishing pictures with them in the pictures, our oldest posted a picture of me and her on a coyote calling trip with two dead coyotes in the picture and the pressure and ridicule that came down her was intense. They didn’t want anybody to know we had guns at the house, for fear of being harassed. Its overflowing into every aspect of society, it amazes me how this branding of firearms as being “bad” gets swallowed up by the general public. I’m sure many of you, like myself, had rimfire shooting classes at grade school, every truck in my high school parking lot had a gun rack with guns in the back window. I’m a graduated in 1985 by the way. Nobody misused them, it was a way of life. Guns have been with us a very long time, mental illness and a pill for every thing there is hasn’t been, neither has this big brother mentality. If a Doctor was to ask me that I’m not sure how I would respond but I’m pretty sure it would be blunt, haven’t dealt with it here in Arizona but Arizona is changing..... hopefully my little pocket of the world stays as it is for a long time to come.

 

[jwink]

My doctor comes to my house to practice with his handgun on my range, I don't think I have to worry too much about him.

 

[GotRDid]

15 yrs ago our Daughter’s first Pediatrician was from South Africa and a pleasant enough fellow. When we changed to a new insurance company under the County’s new health care plan, we had to fill out an extensive questionnaire with this same office. I always discretely carried off duty and everywhere I went. Doc or the office did not know I was a LEO. I left that question blank and on life went, until we returned for the next bi-annual visit. He was adamant that I fill out the form completely, and I presented my credentials and politely declined. We collected copies of my Daughter’s records and parted company with this office.
It took a while, but we found an agreeable and charming young Woman’s practice and she and my Daughter got along famously. I was not aware that it had become a directive for physicians at that time. My Wife handled that initial visit with the new Doctor, and she too left it blank. No further mention was ever made.
GotRDid.

 

[Chiquita]

Stupid question deserves a random stupid answer.

 

[Rsadams]

Very simple.... The answer is no...

 

[abishai]

Q: Whats the difference between God and a doctor?
A: God doest think he's a doctor

 

[Retired Grunt]

I just thought of something, when I started shooting F Class 3 years ago I was applying for the NRA's Adaptive Shooting Program which requires a Dr's Certification. Not a word was asked or said, she just completed it and said good luck.

 

[FNSafari]

I don’t normally post stuff like this but my mother lives with us and during a recent follow up call from her medical provider they asked a number of questions that have now become pretty standard. Questions such as do you feel safe in the house, do you feel depressed or lonely but a new question that has been added is a very direct one asking if she owns a gun or has guns in the house. WTF business of it is theirs.

Oh, get used to big brother trying to invade you head, and oppose all of the so called red flag laws as they come up. I had a recent physical, what a farce. The whole thing, 99.9% of it was any guns, do you have a non slip pad in your shower, do you feel threatened at home, do you suffer food anxiety, and on and on. I had my BP taken a quick listen to my heart and lungs and THAT WAS IT. Compared to physicals of not too many years ago, it was a waste of time. I need to find a new med provider and interview them before I sign up.

 

[rwj]

Any question not relevant to the reason for the visit is met with silence!

 

[dickn52]

Can you point me to that law? My wife and I probably see several doctors numerous time annually and have never been ask about firearms.

Required by Medicare.

 

[dickn52]

I just look at the questioner and say..."Really nice weather today isn't it?"

 

[NorCalMikie]

Then there's the question, "are you sexually active?" Damn, I hope so!!
I think when it came to the gun question, I left it blank.
But some of the questions I can understand being asked.
Do you feel safe in your own home? If you are being abused by a mate, that might be a hard question to answer by some folks. Difference between being abused and being "the" abuser. Might be the only chance to speak up.
Lots of older folks depressed so that question might come up.
Like Hospice questioned me about my feelings when my sister died? They finally figured out I was "good to go" and might even join the team to boost the spirits of other folks feeling a loss. Didn't need to be around down in the mouth folks. Got things to do.
Did see a lady in the cemetery yesterday sitting under an umbrella next to a grave marker. Thinking she had things to work out.
Did the cemetery thing yesterday for Mom cause Mother's day will be wild around there.

 

[SSL]

I see from your avatar your from Illinois.. I'm from there too and have never had a doctor ask me that and have not heard of any law requiring them to ask. When was this law passed?

I was told it was a Medicare question. Asked yearly since I turned 65. Some states have blocked it. I don't think Illinois has but I'm not sure. My doctor and I usually talk about guns for a few minutes during each exam anyway. I can certainly see the reasoning for any patient that shows signs of dementia. We had a woman down the road from us with Alzheimer shoot and injure her husband. Very sad and possibly could have been prevented if attention had been drawn to firearms in the house. Yes...it should have been on the husband to have been aware, but probably was the last thing on his mind.

 

[Shawnba67]

THIS IS NOT A PERSONAL ATTACK ON YOU SPECIFICALLY, just say NO and let the person who has the most regulatuion and personal liability in their job of anyone you know try and do their job.
Change this with votes not hassling the hassled.
Or be super petty about it, be sure to hassle the burger joint counter person when they assume your fat by asking if youd like fries with that. They really do ask just because they want to.

 

[MGYSGT]

Collecting data for the Government move comming.

 

[ronsatspokane]

Then there's the question, "are you sexually active?" Damn, I hope so!!

I was doing physical therapy and was presented with a health questionnaire. That question was one of them. I didn't realize that "happy ending" was a treatment option.

 

[GotRDid]

 

[fx77]

Oh, get used to big brother trying to invade you head, and oppose all of the so called red flag laws as they come up. I had a recent physical, what a farce. The whole thing, 99.9% of it was any guns, do you have a non slip pad in your shower, do you feel threatened at home, do you suffer food anxiety, and on and on. I had my BP taken a quick listen to my heart and lungs and THAT WAS IT. Compared to physicals of not too many years ago, it was a waste of time. I need to find a new med provider and interview them before I sign up.

Point well taken..They get tests, don't even know how to examine people and PA's and NP's are equally implicated in over testing and diminished history taking.

The Case of the Missing Gallstone

“Let’s get her ready for surgery,” I said to the junior resident. We pushed the patient on a stretcher out of the radiology department.

www.doximity.com

 

[BW64]

I was sitting on the exam table when they asked me that question. Jumped off, threw on my shirt & headed out the door. Never went back. Got a call a few hours later asking if everything was all right. Told them I found a new doctor! BYE!!