Doctor asks: "Do you own a gun?"

[Pocketman]

I've noticed past several years, "Do you own a gun?" on medical history forms. I think the reasoning is so doctors can discuss home safety with patients. There's also a set belt related question. I'm not sure most doctors really care about this, and are likely not the best prepared people to discuss gun safety.

I saw where Florida passed legislation prohibiting doctors from asking, so it's apparently not some new federal law or insurance regulation. Is anyone familiar with the rationale behind this, or knowledge of any requirement to ask or answer such?

 

[eldirector]

I vaguely remember this being discussed on here a while back. I think the AMA or some Pediatrics organization put together the original questionnaire and encouraged doctors to discuss "home safety" with patients/parents. Several firearms questions, and some other random items were asked, if I recall (eg: do you have a pool?).

You are not required to answer much of anything your doctor asks. Might be a good idea to answer medical questions truthfully! If they make you uncomfortable, you can fire them and find another doctor.

 

[cosermann]

Heh, heh. Took my Doc to the gunshop the day he bought his.

 

[shooter521]

I vaguely remember this being discussed on here a while back. I think the AMA or some Pediatrics organization put together the original questionnaire and encouraged doctors to discuss "home safety" with patients/parents.

This. That question was on my doc's form, so I answered it. On reviewing my answers, he said something in passing about if I have kids at home, make sure the guns are stored safely... then went into a tirade about how stupid the AMA was. Turns out, he's a gun owner too.

 

[Mr. Habib]

The rationale is that the AMA is rabidly anti gun. There is no requirement to answer any questions from your doctor. Any legal, or illegal items for that matter, that you own are none of their business. You doctor is not qualified to assess the safety of your home or its contents. Answer as you see fit, or not at all. If they persist, find a new doctor and let this one know why they are loosing your business.

 

[Sylvain]

Do they also ask if you wear your seatbelt when you drive a car?

 

[shooter521]

Do they also ask if you wear your seatbelt when you drive a car?

Apparently.

I think the reasoning is so doctors can discuss home safety with patients. There's also a set belt related question.

 

[Classic Liberal]

NOYDB

 

[TaunTaun]

Do you ask them if they have ensured that they have proper ventilation when dealing with their cranial-rectal inversion?

 

[eldirector]

Do they also ask if you wear your seatbelt when you drive a car?

No idea. I have yet to see the questions. My doc is way too laid back to bother with something this trivial. Our pediatrician has never asked. Besides, I OC to both, so no need!

Anyone have a copy of the questions? My Google-fu must be weak today. I can't find a copy.

 

[eldirector]

Wanna get your blood boiling?
Pediatric practice based evaluation of the Steps to Prevent Firearm Injury program -- Oatis et al. 5 (1): 48 -- Injury Prevention

Looks like the AAP really WAS trying to reduce gun ownership.

 

[IndyDave1776]

NOYDB

Simple, direct, and 100% correct!

 

[dom1104]

No sir I dont Mr. Dr. Sir.

 

[eldirector]

And found an example of a questionnaire:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...uf2gBQ&usg=AFQjCNF7nZ7BBWlcyU1Lo7UdcrqN2xlWLg

Asking about guns seems a bit out of place on this one.

 

[Bill of Rights]

I've said before that I'm glad my daughter is beyond this stage. That said, this would be my answer:

Hand them this:

http://www.2ampd.net/Articles/horn2/Firearms Malpractice Form.pdf

 

[J_Wales]

Doctor asks, "Do you own a gun?"

Wise patient replies, "Thats none of your damned business. Ask me again and you will need to use a colon scope to see your smile."

 

[rockhopper46038]

I've said before that I'm glad my daughter is beyond this stage. That said, this would be my answer:

Hand them this:

http://www.2ampd.net/Articles/horn2/Firearms Malpractice Form.pdf

That is straight up brilliant. I'd rep you, but there's no room at the inn...

 

[femurphy77]

NOYDB

Ah a true classic!!!

When I was but a lad attending one of various colleges, my female parental unit used to snoop thru my things when I would come home on weekends to mow her yard.

She of course denied snooping so I started using "NOYDB" in my check register in the area for payee info. She nonchalantly asked me one morning what that meant so I asked her where she had run across it, she made up some story so I told her what it meant. My case rested I never came home on weekends again to mow her yard.

 

[Blackhawk2001]

I didn't take offense when they sent me to see a psychologist for a standard screening after I got back from Iraq (because of DoDs attempts to stem the suicide "epidemic"). I would take offense if my local physician asked me about firearms ownership (not that I see doctors very much, anyway).

 

[Chris387]

I was at the doctor a few months ago. One of the forms I didn't fill out asked if I wear seat belts, if I have a working smoke detector, if I own a firearm, and also wanted to know my religion. I can't remember if there was a motorcycle/helmet question or not. Like I said, I didn't answer any of them.