Question:
Surgeon may send patient list to local gym...seems unethical to me.

I went to my surgeon's support group last week. Patients there said they have been getting phone calls from a gym in the area stating that Dr. had sent them (the gym) a "prescription" for exercise for the patient. I've been mulling this over for a week. This seems wrong to me. I worked at a mental health office and we were never to even acknowledge that anyone was even a patient, let alone do anything like this. I'd appreciate your feedback on this one. My surgery date is coming fast (9/7). I trust his surgical skills, but...this has me in a quandry. I go to him this Tuesday for my pre-op appointment. Do I bring it up to him...his staff? Thanks for the input.    — Michele A. (posted on August 13, 2000)

August 13, 2000
Wow, sounds pretty fishy to me. I'd ask your surgeon point blank about it. I'd also ask his office about it. Also keep in mind that the gym might have gotten the patient list another way, other than directly from the doctor, and may be misleading your friends. Sales are everything to gyms and they'll do just about anything to get new members.
   — Kellie L.

August 13, 2000
It may be that he is indeed referring people for "physical therapy" and they are being contacted by a "physical therapist". We have a local gym here that has a partnership with a local hospital and people can get therapeutic exercise supervision paid for by the insurance company. And it may be a scam. I agree with the advice: ask the doctor...and read the small print of any contract you sign with him. Fondly,
   — merri B.

August 13, 2000
It is unethical for your surgeon to release info about you without your consent.Read any release of info forms that you sign and if they are to broad cross out where you don't want info released. If you have questions ask. Info needs to go to ins.co and to your Dr.(PCP) I question any other entity.
   — [Anonymous]

August 13, 2000
i would definitly ask, patient , doctor information is confidential!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i may be wrong but he could get a lawsuit over this. Jenny [email protected] if you want to email me
   — Jenny D.

August 13, 2000
Patient files are confidential, so unless someone from the gym broke into your doctor's office and stole it, your doctor had to have them a patient list. He cannot legal give out information about you w/o your permission. I'd be VERY wary of a doctor w/ such a lack of ethics, even if he's a wonderful surgeon. In any case, ask him and see what he has to say.
   — Maxine E.

August 15, 2000
Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I had a appointment with my surgeon today and asked about the phone solicitations people from the support group were getting. I was told that the person that used to run the support group ( a patient ) also worked at a gym. Apparantly she copied everyone's info from the sign in sheet and took it to the gym. Needless to say, she doesn't run the group anymore.
   — Michele A.