Privacy at STD Clinic

Street Fighter

The World Warrior
Apr 2, 2006
50
0
0
Edmotown
Hi Health Nurse,

If I've gotten tested for STDs in the past (tests were negative) and gave my real name and provincial health card number, is it possible that my doctor could find out that I've gone for STD testing? I ask because my soon-to-be doctor is a family member. Also, I'm in Alberta, not BC.

Thank you.
 

mookster

Un Baratineur
Sep 29, 2005
166
1
18
My experience at the Calgary STD Clinic has been very discrete. They ask for your name and a phone number only. You are assigned a patient number so that you can call and check on your results. They are very concerned about privacy (otherwise nobody would show up for testing!)
I wouldn't call it an enjoyable experience, but it was not unpleasant (having a cotton swab stuck in your dick is never that pleasant!) The staff is very understanding and non-judgemental.

...and why would you want to give them your health card number?
 

Street Fighter

The World Warrior
Apr 2, 2006
50
0
0
Edmotown
I thought I didn't give my health card number, but the card they gave me to get my results did have it on it so I guess I did. I was a bit naive at the time or else I would have just used a fake name.
 

Raina Mist

New member
Mar 24, 2008
61
0
0
I always use the Victoria sexual health for my std tests, they do need your care card and you need to pay a one time 12.00 dollar clinic but they are discrete...
 

X-Men

Heavy Metal
Mar 10, 2006
166
0
16
57
Calgary
Used the std clinic here in Calgary a few times. Never had to give out a
health care number. Just a name and phone number.
 

g_dawg

New member
Apr 22, 2008
6
0
0
is it possible that my doctor could find out that I've gone for STD testing? I ask because my soon-to-be doctor is a family member.


I think that is part of your problem. Isn't that against the rules ? or at least discouraged.
 

Health Nurse

Supporting Member
Nov 24, 2004
894
4
0
Hi Health Nurse,

If I've gotten tested for STDs in the past (tests were negative) and gave my real name and provincial health card number, is it possible that my doctor could find out that I've gone for STD testing? I ask because my soon-to-be doctor is a family member. Also, I'm in Alberta, not BC.

Thank you.

Hi Street Fighter

I have spoken with the Edmonton Sexually Transmitted Disease Centre and they have given me the following information.

When you use your real name and date of birth their system links you with your provincial health card number so that all your information is together. They do not require ID so you do not need to use a real name, they just ask that you remember this name so you can get your results and that you use the same name each time to have a client history (this helps the health care provider work out what tests are needed).

They have a system where all the test results are kept on the provincial laboratory electronic data base. This information is really protected and not all health care providers can gain access to this system. Also health care providers can only access your test results for medical reasons. Health care providers who look up test results on family members or friends can get into big trouble.

The nurse at the centre stressed that the protection of client information is a major concern. She also stated that the only information on the electronic lab system is what tests were done and what the results were. All other information gained during the visit to the center e.g. how many sex partners, sexual lifestyle, sexual orientation etc … is all kept on paper charts at the clinic and other health care providers can not gain access to this information.

Let us know if you want us to expand on a topic. Remember if you would like to ask me a personal question just send me a PM.

HN
www.stdresource.com
 

Health Nurse

Supporting Member
Nov 24, 2004
894
4
0
is it possible that my doctor could find out that I've gone for STD testing? I ask because my soon-to-be doctor is a family member.


I think that is part of your problem. Isn't that against the rules ? or at least discouraged.


Hi g dawg

Client confidentiality is a serious issue and access to client information is really restricted. Health care providers who look up results of people for non medical reasons can be in a lot of trouble.

You can report this to their employer or professional organization.

Let us know if you want us to expand on a topic. Remember if you would like to ask me a personal question just send me a PM.

HN
www.stdresource.com
 

jay

Member
May 11, 2002
127
0
16
51
Vancouver
what can happen

Just wanted to share a personal story on this thread. About 10 years ago i was friends with a girl who was working as a medical office assisitant at my local clinic. Me and the girl were friends , although after a few drinks there was always some chemistry there we never did end up having any sexual relations. Well one time over a few drinks she blurps something out about me getting an aids test done at our local clinic. It really made me feel awkward , although i never said anything to her about it when she was sober!! Since then i always prefer to go somewhere where i am completely anonimous when i get any std tests done. I prefer to go to the walk in std clinic in vancouver and give a fake name just for piece of mind!!!
 

Noob888

Well-known member
Jan 28, 2006
1,022
205
63
No Confidentiality

In BC. A doctor must report the STD to your spouse and there is a record. So much for privacy and confidentiality!:

One way to help stop the spread of STDs is by informing those who have had sexual contact with someone testing positive for an STD. This is called contact tracing or partner notification.

In BC, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are reportable diseases. When there is a positive lab test for any of these diseases, sexual contacts must be notified in order to help stop the spread of infections. A medical professional diagnosing one of these infections, is required by law to report this infection to the medical health officer in the province. Either they will follow up with partners or ask a public health nurse to follow-up.
Source: http://www.stdresource.com/faq/index.php
 

Health Nurse

Supporting Member
Nov 24, 2004
894
4
0
In BC. A doctor must report the STD to your spouse and there is a record. So much for privacy and confidentiality!:



Source: http://www.stdresource.com/faq/index.php



Hi Noob888

There is a law called the VD act that states that partners of a reportable STI (gonorrhea, chlamydia or syphilis) are required to be tested and treated.

Infections like herpes, pubic lice (crabs), Trichomonas, genital warts, non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) etc… are not reportable infections and are not covered under the VD act.

If you test positive the first thing we do is give you treatment and then discuss partners. The partners you need to tell really depend on what type of infection you have.

For infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia we will ask about partners in the last 2 months.

For syphilis we go back either 3 months, 6 months or 1 year depending on what stage of syphilis.

Partners can be informed either by the person who tested positive or by the person following up on the case. Most doctors in BC either get the client to tell their partners or if the client does not want to they will usually pass it on to the public health nurses to call.

When the public health nurse calls they never give the details of the person who tested positive. They usually just say “someone who is concerned about you wanted you to know that…….

If you have a spouse or SO we will encourage you to tell them rather than public health giving them a call. Also I have seen many occasions where the spouse or SO don’t have to be involved because the client is not having sex with them.

We would never contact your spouse without working out a plan with you. We understand that this is a very difficult situation with potential life changing outcomes. I have been involved with situations where we coach the person on what to say as well as times where we can be present to provide support.

In most situations we find that the person who tested positive is concerned about their partner and wants them to get treatment as there can be serious outcomes to having an STI if it is not treated. Also if your partner is not treated there is a good chance that you will get the infection back again.

If anyone wants anymore information about this topic just let me know.

If you ever need any help with this process just let me know.

HN
 
Vancouver Escorts