What happens if you lie about your name in the emergency room?

[GingerSnaps]

I was too afraid to give my real name and my ss# because I thought that it might ruin my career if they checked my medical background and found a problem with an ailment that they don't want to hire someone with.

I told the emergency room that I lost my wallet over the holiday and they weren't going to take me but they did anyway.

Thank you George Jackass Bush for your right wing America that is similar to the SS and Gestapo. I wouldn't have been so afraid if we had laws against releasing medical information about someone.

I was too afraid to tell them my real name and I have insurance. I gave them my Mom's maiden name and I put down my real address because I am stupid.

I found out that I didn't have a blood clot but what I had in my past has resurfaced and I have to go back to my Doctor.

I don't need any hugs or anyone to feel sorry for me. Sometimes it's better to try and heal than it is to forget that what you have doesn't exist.

The only bad part about my situation is I have to change my major and I have an Associates Degree in the field that I am earning my BA in. I have no Idea where to go with my Major or how to turn it into something else. Peace be with all of you and thanks. :hug:

[diamond14]

1. it's OK...the main reason they want your name, is so you will pay your

bill...but if the bill ends up at your mom's house and get's paid...everything will be fine...


the big problem from a fake-name is that frequently, you end up going home from emergency wards with PRESCRIPTIONS, which will NOT be filled on fake names and if it's pain killers, it's criminal to try and fill it on fake names....

but actually, having spent a LOT of time in emergency wards myself, LOTS of people come into the emergency room as real messes, unable to recall their names or what happened to them, or maybe even unconscious....

so anytime you gave a name or said something IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM...people can forgive you because obviously you were SICK or INJURED and maybe even shot up with morphine upon arrival, and definitely STRESSED...and you just made a mistake, under extremely trying circumstances....

that's why it's diffent once you get discharged and make to the pharmacy, because them it's assumed that you are LUCID, and KNOW that you are passing a fake name on a prescription (like bush* niece, noel did and landed her in jail)....so be careful...and healthy....

[GingerSnaps]

7. My Mom

She moved to heaven years ago. Hopefully the bill will end up at that address and * will head the other way (Is it OK that I said that about * ?).

[derbstyron]

2. Well, I certainly cant recommend Florida

Thanks to Jeb a law was passed that allows our state to keep a record showing what drugs you take, including Xanax, a drug I'm on. To fight doctor shopping, cause that's one of the *huge* problems in our state.

Of course, at the same time he was passing a law which gave record keepers the right to "dispose" of the names of *all* gun holders after a certain period of time. Hell, even the conservative cops were against this one.

But, hey, with our whacked state legislature what Jeb wants, Jeb gets.

You know, my amazing grandmother taught me that I should love all of Gods people and creatures. She said you could dislike them but never hate them. I'm sorry but with Jeb I can't do that.

I've had to much experience with him screwing my life up.

I hate that fucker from the very core depths of my soul!

EDIT: sorry about your college issues. I wish you luck.

[specimenfred1984]

3. Welcome to 1984

Your "insurance" that insures you in case of an emergency just insured nothing.

Our "new economy" invites - dares- behaviors like yours. I, for one, salute you!

[specimenfred1984]

4. Welcome to 1984

Your "insurance" that insures you in case of an emergency just insured nothing.

Our "new economy" invites - dares- behaviors like yours. I, for one, salute you!

[specimenfred1984]

5. And, I'll Post it Again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What does "the system" expect from people? You're not paranoid, you're completely rational.

[GingerSnaps]

8. Thanks

:hug:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. But don't forget about the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In many cases an employer can't refuse to hire you because of a health problem. The only exception I can think of is being an airline pilot, and even there, they can often petition the FAA for a special issuance of a medical certificate. So don't assume you have to change your career plans just yet.

[Sanity Claws]

84. The ADA is a joke

The ADA is worthless in practical terms. Also, bear in mind that you have the burden of proof on any discrimination claim. An employer can always come up with a different reason why it didn't hire you.

[JohnnyRingo]

9. If they find out you gave a false identity...

they will reclaim the wellness administered.....In my town "they" use neanderthal thugs.
The Boy Scouts don't run the health care industry ya know.


Maybe it's different where you live.

[GingerSnaps]

10. I use to be a girl scout and my sister was a camp fire girl

:D

[leftofthedial]

11. they cure the wrong person

alas

[GingerSnaps]

12. They don't go by names

We are all numbers when it comes to the insurance claims examiners. If they came out with a cure for different ailments then it would put a damper on the pharmaceutical industries profits and it might drive some of them into financial ruin.

[steely]

13. I'm glad it's not the clot.

Diamond14 gave you good advice.
Work with your old doc on the health issue and the bill thingy.
Not sure I followed the Major issue, are the new and old fields related at all? - if they aren't - change as soon as you can afford to, or you could have regrets. If the fields are related, find a professional in the field you want, who can advise - you have to find a mentor/counselor, maybe they can help salvage some of your previous classes.

Thanks for letting us know - I hope the wait at the er wasn't long.
hang in there. stuff does work out

[RandomKoolzip]

14. Okay....explain to me again: why did you feel the need to lie about your

name in the emergency room?

And how, exactly, is this connected with your choice of major in college? The two strains of thought seem unrelated to me.

I can possibly see how if a problem AROSE suddenly, and I needed to go to the emergency room, I'd avoid lying to these people as much as possible. You want to be honest with these people, even if you're dishonest with other people. These doctors hold your life in their hands; that's why you're in the "EMERGENCY" room, correct? Why dick them around? This just seems to be A CORe piece of common sense.

Anyhow, good luck and get better.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

15. Ya I'm not getting the college major thingy either, seemed to come out

of left field.

[prolesunited]

16. She's a chef

I'm imagining that you can't stand for long hours with a leg ailment.

Glad you went and got it checked out. But, by giving the wrong name and SS#, the insurance company won't pay the bill, but by giving your correct address, the hospital and collection agency will be able to hound you for the money.

I would call today and try to get that straightened out.

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

21. Thats exactly right. I'm afraid you may have made things worse

rather than better

[DS1]

25. That's what Boston Market's for

LOLOL

[Maddy McCall]

26. LOL!

[SmokingJacket]

17. This is why keeping medical records PRIVATE is in the hospital's

best interest.

That info should go nowhere outside that building except to the insurer, and we should be able to trust that that's the case.
:mad:

[Beware the Beast Man]

18. I heard they cut out your tongue if you lie.

Don't take anesthesia!

[REP]

19. Check out HIPAA

Highly unlikely (not to mention illegal) that anyone would try to get yur medical records, unless you sign a release authorizing their release.

[amazona]

20. could be nothing happens

A homeless friend of mine was taken to the ER in an ambulance for treatment because she passed out on the sidewalk for unknown reasons. She had no ID because she owns none and she wasn't conscious to give them any information. So...after she received treatment she just left. Nowhere to send the bill she couldn't pay anyway. She never heard a peep out of them again.

By contrast, another friend who went to the same "Charity" hospital got a horrible shock when she got out of hospital and received a huge bill at her home that she could never pay. Although they are supposed to bill you based on what you can afford, and this lady had no disposable income at all, the hospital decides what you can afford, you don't decide. It was a mess. She had to hit up everyone she knew for money, which is not too cool to have to beg for money when you are in your 50s and disabled.

So, even if you think they are going to bill you on a sliding scale, yeah, if you can get away with it, to protect yourself, give a created name or no name.

Unfortunately, since they do have your real address, I think they can find out who you are with very little effort. But you never know, they might get lazy and never bother to put two and two together.

I don't think you will get in much trouble as even when they do locate you, you can at least just explain that you were ill and confused and didn't know what you were writing. But I think the information will find its way into your medical records sooner or later because of the address and mother's maiden name.

[prolesunited]

22. So, where's the update?

You can't just involve us in your drama and leave us hanging like this.

[Maddy McCall]

28. Don't worry. There'll be a new one tomorrow.

:eyes:

[blondeatlast]

43. Ya think?

I do... :eyes: :eyes:

[Name removed]

23. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Maddy McCall]

24. Nothing...

if you haven't learned the consequences of lying by now, you never will.

Yet another crisis...... :eyes:

[JVS]

27. I think they do medical experiments on you if you get caught

[prolesunited]

31. Well, they do have the address

That would make it quite easy

[Name removed]

29. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[democracyindanger]

30. naughty

[redqueen]

32. Well this explains a hell of a lot.

:crazy:

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[patcox2]

34. I would not worry about telling the truth. Risk of lying is worse.

The risk of a record created of you lying about your name is worse for you than the risk of some form of discrimination against you on the basis of medical condition (which would be illegal).

It is legal to refuse to hire someone because they have a record of being a liar, it is illegal to refuse to hire someone because of medical condition.

Don't be paranoid about the possibility of discrimination on the basis of medical condition. The information is only available for certain purposes and noone would be able to get it pre-employment. You might think the law is ineffective but I assure you it is not. I am an attorney and corporate counsel involved, among other things, in human resources, these rules are taken seriously.

However, in answer to your question, the risk associated with lying about your name depends on the reason you lied. It is legal to call yourself whatever name you want, you are not limited to your "legal" name. However, if you call yourself by another name because you are trying to commit fraud, to avoid payment, to avoid criminal prosecution, or to avoid taxes, that would be illegal. In addition, there are probably some very specific prohibitions against the use of aliases in specified circumstances, but I wouldn't know them.

Your circumstances are such that it could be a problem to have lied, its likely that someone would assume you did it to avoid paying for the treatment. Its not a great idea, is the bottom line.

[GingerSnaps]

35. I gave them my address so that I can pay them

I have gone by my Mom's maiden name in the past as a stage name in commercials and she was the one that used that name when I was a kid. Hospitals have to be paid or they don't stay in business.

Isn't it amazing how much people assume about others.

[patcox2]

36. Its still not a good idea to lie.

I wouldn't be bitter at people jumping to the pretty logical conclusion that when someone gives a fake name they are doing it for a nefarious purpose. Thats what they will do, unless you have a pretty good explanation, and so far you really don't have a good explanation, by which I mean one that the average person would understand and believe.

[GingerSnaps]

37. Reread the thread it's all about getting insurance and a job

How can someone be average that sits on the computer 24/7 passing judgment on others that they don't know? I really don't think that I am the first person or the last person that would do it because they know the repercussions of what can and can't happen with medical information.

How many middle class people have insurance right now? What do they do when they need treatment and they are afraid of lawsuits, garnishments and bankruptcy due to a hospital bill.

You don't know what can happen unless you live through a bankruptcy over medical bills that is down in court records.

Have you lost a home that was worth $495,000 dollars that you owed $150,000 grand on because of medical bills?

Until you walk in my shoes or anyone that has been dragged through the court system over medical bills than you shouldn't try to pass judgment on why someone wouldn't want to give their real last name but instead give another name so that they could pay the bill a little at a time instead of being sued over it.

Ask someone that had a person in intensive care for 6 months how their credit looks and if they had anything taken away when they couldn't pay the hospital bill. When you have someone in intensive care and you sign for blood you owe the bill that the insurance company doesn't pick up and that could be the entire bill if it's an HMO and some of the tests and treatment were not authorized by the chain of Doctors.

Live through tons of medical bills, lawsuits, death and the pain that comes along with it and then see if you can get insurance at a rate that you can afford if you have a pre-exsisting condition.

[Shakespeare]

38. Then WHY did you start this thread asking for input???

If you don't want people commenting about your personal life, then don't start theads asking people to do that very thing.

:crazy:

[redqueen]

41. LMAO!

No shit!

[patcox2]

39. Its still not a good idea to lie, its digging a hole.

Sorry, but lying creates far more problems both in getting employment and in getting insurance than the truth does.

You are convinced of your position, though. Funny thing is, if you are going to be so offended at people who "pass judgment," why did you post this strange little story in the first place? You clearly want a response. What kind of response did you want? Reassurance that what you did was all right? Or honesty? I gave an honest response to a request for advice, I am not judging. I am stating objective fact, a history of lying will be more trouble to you than a medical history.

[GingerSnaps]

40. I am not offended I feel sorry

For a person that passes judgment and it so enthralled at the hate that they don't look into what is truly going on in their own life. I believe that the pain inside must be horrible. Maybe that is why our party needs an overhaul. What makes us any different when we hate as opposed to the other side hating?

[Name removed]

42. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[GingerSnaps]

45. Sorry that it hit home about 24/7

I didn't know that it had something to do with you. My suggestion is don't meet people on the Doctor Who, Trekkie or Sci-Fi boards or the tin foil hat people that post on boards and get peoples panties in a bunch from their hunch (Jesus I'm a poet LOL).

Was she the one that imagined that Tsunami was man made and * had something to do with it because if she is i would have known that something was wrong with her immediately.


"I don't know you from Adam but let me suggest that you send your message to some of the game designers at the College that I attend. They might be able to use that idea because honey to tell you the truth that is about the most absurd thing that I have ever heard in my life...did you come up with that on your own?" LOL :cry: LOL

[redqueen]

46. Who're you quotin there?

And are you laughing and crying at the same time?

This just gets more and more insane-o.

[GingerSnaps]

54. Well at least your honest

No honey I am not the type that cry's over nothing and I don't play follow the leader either. I am secure in my life! :hug:

[redqueen]

57. Huh?

I'm more confuzzled than EVER.

[Susang]

60. It does seem confusing on the surface redqueen

Doesn't it? I have a feeling that there's much more to the story than we are privy to, don't you? ;-)

[redqueen]

62. Yes

And I HATE not being in on the gossip! I love gossip!!!!

:)

[Susang]

67. Here's a big helpful hint

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=2297851&mesg_id=2310830&page=

[Maddy McCall]

68. ~~

Check your pm.

[MaineDem]

71. "I am secure in my life"

Whoa....really?

I've been reading your threads...and they remind me of a lot of threads from the past as well... and, frankly, they sound like the questions of someone with a lot of confusion in their life.

It seems to me that people have given you the answer to your questions about lying at the hospital. You asked for input. Why not thank everyone for their advice and move on?

I don't understand why you're arguing with people over their opinions. You lay out so much information that I can't imagine sharing with anonymous people on a message board and then you get upset with them for coming to conclusions. I find it all very confusing myself.

I wish you peace and good luck.

[gardenista]

90. So now I'm confused. Did you lie to avoid paying medical bills, or did

you lie to avoid having medical information used against you in your job search?

If you intentionally lied to avoid paying medical bills, as you seem to imply in this post, then you were stealing when you got that treatment.

[amazona]

93. if you intended to pay then you just made a mistake

For future reference, I have found that if I intend to pay for something but I do not want the item or service linked to my name, I either pay in cash (not always possible if there is an emergency) or else I use a name that is not linked to me at all.

Since you use a name that you have used as your own name in the past, there is always a chance that it will eventually find its way into your records. What is done is done. But in future where privacy is a concern, if at all possible, I highly recommend cash plus fake name/address. The fake name/address should not be any that can be linked to you!

If they are going to learn who you are anyway, might as well get your insurance benefit.

I think if I were in your shoes, at this point, I would "fess up" that I was confused when I went to the ER and I would turn in my insurance card so at least you won't be out so much money. Because I honestly don't believe that your privacy is going to be that secure.

The attorney who pointed out that giving a false name to avoid having to pay for service is fraud...he or she is indeed correct. My example may have been a poor one since my friend in theory did commit fraud. But there just wasn't any way she could have paid for her care, and sometimes you do what you must do in a crisis. I do not advise that anyone do the same.

I hope you are feeling much better now. As for changing your major, one crisis at a time. Do not make major life decisions while you are ill or tired or confused. You have time.

[redqueen]

44. Kick

:kick:

[blondeatlast]

47. You create one of the most fascinating train wreck threads

in DU history.

Edit. I'll pass on the disclosure.

[Blue-Jay]

48. True that.

It's been going on for longer than you'd suspect.

[Name removed]

49. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[prolesunited]

50. OP

Does that stand for "outpatient"? :shrug:

[blondeatlast]

53. LOL! Hmmmmm... nt

[blondeatlast]

51. BTW, I enjoyed your short-lived copycat thread.

Still wondering why it had to bite the cyber-dust, too.

[DS1]

52. rack mine up in the list

:eyes:

[blondeatlast]

56. But...

why???

Where's the harm? I can see if it were one of MY pathetic copycat attempts, but...?

:shrug:

[redqueen]

58. Dammit!

I'm missing all the comedy and only getting the confusion part!

Help!

[AZCat]

55. Don't look now...

but there might be a Q in ATA right now about that (as of 4:16 PM Arizona time).

[Name removed]

59. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

61. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[blondeatlast]

63. No one is doing the OP any favors by letting this continue, either.

:shrug:

[Name removed]

64. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

66. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Maddy McCall]

69. Bang Bang McLarge's Silver Hammer Came Down Upon This Thread

Bang Bang McLarge's Silver Hammer Made Sure That It Was Dead.

:silly:

[redqueen]

70. Tip top logic!

I'm so sad I missed your thread. :cry:

[proud2BlibKansan]

65. About a year after my dad died

we got a bill from a local emergency room saying he had been treated there. And he was dead. So I called and they told me that this happens a lot, someone uses a fake name. My dad had once been a patient at this hospital and when the first bill they sent out came back, they looked him up and sent the bill to his address.

No, we didn't have to pay it. Actually, they were pretty nice about the whole thing.

[GingerSnaps]

72. Why don't we look at the names is this thread

Who has issues?

[Blue-Jay]

73. You want links?

Really? Do you want some?

[GingerSnaps]

76. I don't know any of you from that group

But isn't it odd how all of your names show up in each thread?

I know about the ones that you guys pass out and thanks for admitting it.

[Susang]

80. What do you know GingerSnaps?

I think I really deserve an answer to this question.

[Susang]

83. Isn't if funny how you never actually respond to direct questions?

Why is that anyway?

[Blue-Jay]

82. You don't have to "know" me.

Why did you edit your post to remove that link, precious?

[Name removed]

85. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Blue-Jay]

86. Finally Batboy chimes in!

I can make you angrier, boyo.

Your ape-walk could use some work. :D

[Bat Boy]

87. Well of course it could.

I accidentally evolved.

[prolesunited]

88. THANK YOU

For finally saying what needs to be said. I don't think I've been angrier as well. :toast:

[blondeatlast]

89. Please, I beseech you... Go back to that ER--

Just don't lie this time.

Until you do that, you're fair in my book.

[Name removed]

91. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[name not needed]

96. Thank you!

It needed to be said

:yourock:

[Bunny]

74. You know, there's only one common denominator in all of this.

Why don't we look at that, and see who has the issues?

BTW - nice edit of your post. :eyes:

[Susang]

75. Just exactly what are you saying GingerSnaps?

Spell it out for once, will you? I'm sick of the hints and innuendo. If you are going to accuse, just fucking do it!

[Bunny]

78. Fat farking chance of that happening, huh?

That would cut down on the drama, wouldn't it? ;)

[Susang]

79. I guess so

Because actually putting her money where her mouth is would show that her implied accusations are completely false.

[Maddy McCall]

81. Biting...my...tongue....again....

and...it....is....killing....me.

[blondeatlast]

77. Seems harmless enough to me.

OTOH, I NEVER offer to moderate DU; I was burned as a mod on another board.

[Blue-Jay]

92. Question:

You've never denied being banned from DU. Is that the same as a tacit admission?

[RandomKoolzip]

94. Asking a direct question won't get a response.

Come on, don't you know the rules by now?

[Name removed]

95. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[blondeatlast]

97. I noticed that. Very strange. nt

[name not needed]

98. Just lock this already!

:argh:

[Moderator]

99. Locking

This discussion has run its course.

Thanks,
DU Moderator