Employer privacy/insurance

Hello all the journey continues, started at Humber in Aug 2014 

and got my surgery date for March 14 with Dr Starr.

Everythiing went smooth through the process, small slow down with clearing up some h.pylori tests but all and all on pace and ready to get it done !

My employers health plan is with Great West Life ,I am not comfortable with my employer knowing why I'm off at all. I don't trust my manager to keep it private. Was considering taking 3 weeks unpaid to avoid disclosing 

Can anyone confirm will my private Heath care provider tell my company why I'm off  If I choose to go on std ? Even though it is supposed to be private do they still secretly tell them ?

I don't believe that they do.  Just have your STD forms filled out and you send them in to the insurer and provide your employer with a note from your GP that says you will be off for whatever length of time due to health reason (or surgery) whatever you're comfortable with. 

You could also just call Great West and pose the question to the them but I was off for a different surgery and submitted the forms myself to the insurance company because I didn't want people at work knowing my weight and my employer just asked for a note then.

I worked in HR for years and when someone went off on STD, they dealt directly with the insurance company and we never had the right to ask why or they'd never share even if you had the nerve to ask.  All you need is a doctor's note saying you are off for xx weeks for medical reasons then they will likely give you the papers that go directly to the insurance company. The top copy of ours came back to employer but it was a basic form with your info and when you would be off and when you were due back and possibly a doctor's signature but all the actual medical info is sent to the insurance.

That's great to hear 

I just hate the idea of my employer knowing and more so the stigma associated with disability for something that's not obvious to the employer

They cannot disclose the reason for your STD to anyone. I just went back to work after my 4 week STD and while on it, the insurance company worked directly with me and my family doctor. The only time they will contact your manager is if you cannot come back when anticipated or require reduced hours at first. It's completely confidential as far as your health goes. Do not take time off if you're covered by STD. The general rule is you'll be covered by STD if your surgery is covered by OHIP and it's not cosmetic or plastic in nature.

Thanks guys , you know rightly or wrongly I always thought that even though it's supposed to be private that there was a nudge nudge wink wink by the insurance company to the employer

Today medical privacy is law. People who work in the field would never disclose your personal information because you could sue. Work directly with your hr and insurance company.

I am now with Sunlife, but we were with Manulife when i took my STD for surgery. Our company uses a thuird party (Morneau Shepell) to ensure discretion. Your employer does not have to know WHY you are off if you have been granted STD.