Going to your GP is often like going to confession.
You go for a specific reason but often end up talking about all sorts of 'off topic' things. One of my personal favourites is when my GP asks how work is going….the standard conversation and answers go something like this…
GP: So, how's it all going with work? Are you busy?
Me: Oh, it's always busy - there's a lot going on.
GP: Stressful?
Me: No, just busy…..
The thing is, I know that if I mention stress it will be noted down in my file. Potentially this could disadvantage me if I am applying for more insurance at a later date, as the word 'stress' will raise a red flag with any insurer.
We all lead busy lives and day-to-day stress is part and parcel of that. Long term stress is different in my opinion and can have serious health effects if it's left to manifest into physical symptoms.
We have recently had two actual scenarios when a client has been to their GP and mentioned something and the GP has interpreted incorrectly. This has a huge impact when a client applies for insurance:
Case 1.
In the lead up to Christmas our client went to the GP for what turned out to be a virus. The 'off topic' conversation went something like this….
GP: So, have you been attending a lot of end of year Christmas events and functions?
Client: Yes, I've been out four nights in the last week - there's heaps on at this time of year.
The client watched as his GP typed into his file 'must cut back on drinking'.
In this case the GP didn't event ask if the client was drinking more than usual - he just assumed.
The client phoned their GP the next day and requested that this information be removed from his medical file as it was factually incorrect. The GP complied with this request.
Case 2.
Our client went for a blood pressure test and saw a new doctor at his regular clinic. During 'off topic' part of the appointment he gave his new GP a bit of a run down on his medical history including a mention of atrial fibrillation back in 2005.
The GP's notes read as follows:
"Client had standard blood pressure readings today. Has had AF and holter monitor tests."
Unfortunately the GP didn't specify in her note that the AF and holter monitor tests were eight years ago and not on that day.
When our client submitted a recent insurance application this was discovered (he was totally unaware of the GP's note) when the insurance company added a large premium loading onto this policy due to his recent symptoms.
We were able to have this removed as the GP was happy to clarify her error. However if the insurance company hadn't seen the clients notes at application time and only saw them at claim time there potentially would have been a non-disclosure issue. By then the doctor might not remember how the conversation went and wouldn't be able to confirm what happened except by referring to the notes which were incorrect.
My tip for avoiding any problems:
Always keep an eye on what your doctor is typing about you. This way you can avoid any errors or misunderstandings.
Have you ever had anything like this happen to you?