Speaking with a doctor about illegal drugs

[NYEX]

Does anybody know a good way to speak with your doctor about illegal drug use? I recently did too much cocaine and fortunately it's scared me enough that I'm not going to do it again, but I am having one health issue related to it that I want speak with a doctor about (numbness in a part of my fingertips).

However, I am worried about this being placed on my medical record. I think that health insurance companies and other doctors would have access to this. I also don't necessarily trust the confidentiality of records, and I don't trust the government and our idiotic Congress to protect my privacy in the future either.

Any ideas how I can speak with a doctor about this as a one-time thing and leave it at that? I have health insurance but I would have to use it to see the same doctor I always see for other stuff.

[theeagle]

You could possibly go to a redi-med type facility and pay cash - - -  but the best way to communicate with your physician is with total and brutal honesty - - - Medicine doesnt work well unless all parties cooperate - this would normally be you, your Doc, and possibly a pharmacist. Whether you trust the Gov or not (I personally still feel that I was lied to concerning Vietnam!) the HIPPA laws have teeth - - and without signed consent from you a physician is risking his license to practice - - - - not many will take that chance.

[kolo13]

If you ask to speak to your doctor "off the record" they will often comply. Unless it is something they have to cover their *** over or you run into a doctor with an attitude about drug abuse ( they get that way after feeling like they have patients lying and scamming to get drugs) most would much rather you were honest so they can  help you and thus would avoid putting things in your record that would hurt you. And I think you could count on them at least being upfront about their willingness to have that conversation off the record. If you ever ask to see all your records you might be surprised at what gets put in writing and what does not.

[BIKERDAD1963]

Try the free clinic if you have one (not sure why they call it a free clinic). The clinics dont use your medical files and you pay a cash fee depending on your income. Also if you no your doctor well enough they wont put such things on your file unless you are hospitalized or require medication.

[kalie1979]

You would not believe the respect you get from doctors when you are honest. If it makes you feel any better tendon swelling in your arms or wrist will cause finger numbness.  It has habbened to me. My finger would go numb or the tips of fingers would. Do you smoke?

Kalie