I listened with horror this evening to a radio program which discussed the state of medical record privacy today. In one segment a doctor (psychologist) described an experience she had after a session which was covered by the patient's insurance plan. The doctor in question received a phone message with a 1-800 number and the request to return the call. On returning it she was connected with a very polite representative of the insurance company (who apparently had some experience in mental health, but not a M.D.) who proceeded to ask the most sensitive questions about the patient's session in order to conduct a "utilization review to determine medical necessity." Most alarmingly, the representative could be heard typing on a computer during the entire review. The program went on to indicate that among the provisions in the most recent health insurance reform bill there was a provision for information sharing among insurance companies to facilitate the transfer of insurance policies when the insured switches jobs. Among the more alarming suggestions in the legislation is the use of a "unique medical identifier." Many of you will see this coming. One of the currently proposed "identifiers" is the Social Security Number. Members of the list might also wish to consider that companies which self insure their employees for health benefits are entitled to all their medical records directly. The prospect of cradle to grave medical files as an everyday reality in the United States is but around the corner. In my view it is time for the foundation of an offshore insurance company which recognizes the basic tenant that client medical records are the property of the client, used in a license capacity at the pleasure of the insured, and not an entitlement to which the company is automatically privy. -- I hate lightning - finger for public key - Vote Monarchist unicorn@schloss.li