Totally OT: SSNs

I had a similar problem with a medical office at the medical school,
but they went one better -- they already had my SSN (which at that time
was the insurance number!). When I checked in at the desk, they asked
if all my information was correct, and I said yes -- I hadn't moved in
the last week. However, they READ IT OUT LOUD in front of an entire
waiting room, along with my name, address, age, and current medical
diagnosis!!! I specifically interrupted the woman several times, too.
I was livid! I called the attorneys for the medical school, and put my
compaint in writing to the Dean's office. The attorneys were
apparently upset and assured me they would change those procedures
immediately -- which they did. The Dean, however, called me personally
and assured me that they were completely trustworthy and that my
concern about confidentiality was misplaced, at which time I asked him
for all of that information about himself and about his wife so I could
read it aloud in front of a room of strangers. Silence on the phone.
Sheesh!!!

Terry Pulliam Burd said:

I am fuming over a run in I just had with a local medical laboratory.
I went in to have a routine blood test to see how my over-the-hill
thyroid isn't doing, dammit, when the intake clerk asked for my social
security number. Told him I didn't give it out. He said they couldn't
do the blood test without it. Told him he can't require my SSN unless
he's a lending institution or my bank (which the IRS requires to
report interest). Still refuses to do the blood test. I threw a blue
fit (in a ladylike manner, of course) and told him that what they were
requiring was illegal. Stormed out of there and later got a
"we're-so-sorry-please-come-back" telephone call when they evidently
consulted with TPTB and learned I was right.

People: do NOT give out your social security number to *anyone* unless
they are a lending institution (credit card application, for instance)
or your bank (see the above proviso). Your doctor, your dentist, your
emergency room...they are not legally allowed to force you to provide
your SSN before providing services. You want to avoid identity theft?
You think the 20 year old nimrod in your dentist's office can't stick
postits in her handpag with your SSN and other particulars?

See: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6448213/did/10584944/ to see the
lowest of the low in identity theft.

Cautiously,
Terry "Squeaks" Pulliam Burd
AAC(F)BV66.0748.CA

"If the soup had been as hot as the claret, if the claret had been as
old as the bird, and if the bird's breasts had been as full as the
waitress's, it would have been a very good dinner."

-- Duncan Hines

To reply, replace "spaminator" with "cox"

I don't have to worry about it. No one wants to be me!

Bubba

--
You wanna measure or you wanna cook?

In article <[email hidden]>,
Terry Pulliam Burd <[email hidden]> wrote:
(snip)

Quoted message said:

See: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6448213/did/10584944/ to see the
lowest of the low in identity theft.

Picking my jaw off the floor!

I note that the guy got his cure in Minneapolis. :-) If I'm not
mistaken, health care is the state's biggest industry.

What's more Meen-a-soh-tan than hotdish!! Did I say it was healthful?
I did not. Gotta keep the health care industry prosperous.

* Exported from MasterCook Mac *

Chow Mein Noodle Hot Dish

Recipe By : proudly posted to rec.food.cooking by Minnesotan Barb
Schaller, 1-6-2006
Serving Size : 2-4 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Casseroles/Hotdishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 # ground beef
1 Small diced onion
1 cup diced celery
1 can chicken rice soup -- (10 3/4 oz.)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Water to rinse soup cans
2 handsful chow mein noodles

Brown hamburger and onion. Mix with rest of ingredients. Put in
ungreased casserole (1-1/2 quart). Sprinkle more noodles on top. Bake,
uncovered, for 30 minutes at 350.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : Source: Julie, April, 1966. I think this is the first recipe
I ever got!
--
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com, updated 1-3-2006, Sam I Am! and Hello!

Terry Pulliam Burd <[email hidden]> looking for trouble wrote in
news:[email hidden]:

Quoted message said:

I am fuming over a run in I just had with a local medical laboratory.
I went in to have a routine blood test to see how my over-the-hill
thyroid isn't doing, dammit, when the intake clerk asked for my social
security number. Told him I didn't give it out. He said they couldn't
do the blood test without it. Told him he can't require my SSN unless
he's a lending institution or my bank (which the IRS requires to
report interest). Still refuses to do the blood test. I threw a blue
fit (in a ladylike manner, of course) and told him that what they were
requiring was illegal. Stormed out of there and later got a
"we're-so-sorry-please-come-back" telephone call when they evidently
consulted with TPTB and learned I was right.

<snip>

My SSN used to be my drivers license # AND my BC/BS health insurance #. I
didn't think a thing about it at the time. My mother had a hissy fit while
I was in the hospital and as soon as I was able, she made me have the
numbers changed. I can see how serious this is when I really focus on it.
I was lucky, AFAIK, no one has taken advantage of me with this info being
so readily available. I've been lucky. HIPPA should protect <sarcasm> this
information for you </sarcasm>.

Michael

--
....Bacteria: The rear entrance to a cafeteria.

All gramatical errors and misspellings due to Ramsey the cyber kitten. He
now owns all keyboards and computing devices in the household and has the
final say on what is, or is not, posted.
Send email to dog30 at charter dot net

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

requiring was illegal. Stormed out of there and later got a
"we're-so-sorry-please-come-back" telephone call when they evidently
consulted with TPTB and learned I was right.

Good for you. Unreal. I can remember when times were
simpler, people didn't think much of giving it out. When, exactly,
do these types of companies plan on GETTIN WITH IT???
This ain't then.

Quoted message said:

You think the 20 year old nimrod in your dentist's office can't stick
postits in her handpag with your SSN and other particulars?

You can even imagine how many people where you work have
access to that information. That comes from me producing payroll,
if I was so inclined, you work there? I know just about everything
about you, down to your kid's names and bank account, most likely.

Companies need to make sure that they are careful who they hire
to see this data. Can't say as they always are.

On what planet do they need to know your SSN to test your blood.

nancy

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

I am fuming over a run in I just had with a local medical laboratory.
I went in to have a routine blood test to see how my over-the-hill
thyroid isn't doing, dammit, when the intake clerk asked for my social
security number. Told him I didn't give it out. He said they couldn't
do the blood test without it. Told him he can't require my SSN unless
he's a lending institution or my bank (which the IRS requires to
report interest).

I think medical offices have a *big* problem. I have had quite a few
medical clerks tell me that it's the way they file patient records, so that
they can't get Mary Smith mixed up with another Mary Smith or two. I think
they'd better find a better way, since it's a sore spot with me, too, Terry.

Dora

On Fri, 6 Jan 2006 10:42:27 -0500, "Nancy Young" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

requiring was illegal. Stormed out of there and later got a
"we're-so-sorry-please-come-back" telephone call when they evidently
consulted with TPTB and learned I was right.

Good for you. Unreal. I can remember when times were
simpler, people didn't think much of giving it out. When, exactly,
do these types of companies plan on GETTIN WITH IT???
This ain't then.

Quoted message said:

You think the 20 year old nimrod in your dentist's office can't stick
postits in her handpag with your SSN and other particulars?

You can even imagine how many people where you work have
access to that information. That comes from me producing payroll,
if I was so inclined, you work there? I know just about everything
about you, down to your kid's names and bank account, most likely.

Companies need to make sure that they are careful who they hire
to see this data. Can't say as they always are.

On what planet do they need to know your SSN to test your blood.

nancy

The good ole USA if you happen to be over 65. Your Medicare number is
your SSN. Also does not help that the military also uses it for ID.
Since I am now on Medicare and my back-up insurance is Champus
everyone in the medical profession around here will know my SSN.
--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral,
48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974

On Fri, 06 Jan 2006 09:17:42 -0600, in rec.food.cooking, Melba's
Jammin' <[email hidden]> hit the crackpipe and
declared:

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,
Terry Pulliam Burd <[email hidden]> wrote:
(snip)

Quoted message said:

See: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6448213/did/10584944/ to see the
lowest of the low in identity theft.

Picking my jaw off the floor!

I note that the guy got his cure in Minneapolis. :-) If I'm not
mistaken, health care is the state's biggest industry.

What's more Meen-a-soh-tan than hotdish!! Did I say it was healthful?
I did not. Gotta keep the health care industry prosperous.

I had lots of Hotdish! in Minnesota.....it's awesome!

Quoted message said:

* Exported from MasterCook Mac *

Chow Mein Noodle Hot Dish

Recipe By : proudly posted to rec.food.cooking by Minnesotan Barb
Schaller, 1-6-2006
Serving Size : 2-4 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Casseroles/Hotdishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 # ground beef
1 Small diced onion
1 cup diced celery
1 can chicken rice soup -- (10 3/4 oz.)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Water to rinse soup cans
2 handsful chow mein noodles

Brown hamburger and onion. Mix with rest of ingredients. Put in
ungreased casserole (1-1/2 quart). Sprinkle more noodles on top. Bake,
uncovered, for 30 minutes at 350.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NOTES : Source: Julie, April, 1966. I think this is the first recipe
I ever got!

LOL that was hilarious, thanks. Didn't Jimmy Tango post a similar
recipe a while back, to much ado from the peanut gallery?

"The Cook" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

On Fri, 6 Jan 2006 10:42:27 -0500, "Nancy Young" <[email hidden]>
wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

On what planet do they need to know your SSN to test your blood.

Quoted message said:

The good ole USA if you happen to be over 65. Your Medicare number is
your SSN.

I thought that that was changed, obviously if not it should be.

nancy

On Fri, 6 Jan 2006 11:47:32 -0500, "Nancy Young" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

"The Cook" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

On Fri, 6 Jan 2006 10:42:27 -0500, "Nancy Young" <[email hidden]>
wrote:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

On what planet do they need to know your SSN to test your blood.

Quoted message said:

The good ole USA if you happen to be over 65. Your Medicare number is
your SSN.

I thought that that was changed, obviously if not it should be.

nancy

I just got my card last month and it is definitely my SSN with the
letter T after it.
--
Susan N.

"Moral indignation is in most cases two percent moral,
48 percent indignation, and 50 percent envy."
Vittorio De Sica, Italian movie director (1901-1974

"Mary" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I had a similar problem with a medical office at the medical school,
but they went one better -- they already had my SSN (which at that time
was the insurance number!). When I checked in at the desk, they asked
if all my information was correct, and I said yes -- I hadn't moved in
the last week. However, they READ IT OUT LOUD in front of an entire
waiting room, along with my name, address, age, and current medical
diagnosis!!! I specifically interrupted the woman several times, too.
I was livid! I called the attorneys for the medical school, and put my
compaint in writing to the Dean's office. The attorneys were
apparently upset and assured me they would change those procedures
immediately -- which they did. The Dean, however, called me personally
and assured me that they were completely trustworthy and that my
concern about confidentiality was misplaced, at which time I asked him
for all of that information about himself and about his wife so I could
read it aloud in front of a room of strangers. Silence on the phone.
Sheesh!!!

You should've asked when the stupid clerk would be fired.

At least 54% of country is functionally illiterate, as well as stupid and
lazy. You can expect to see more clerks like that, every single day.

Two things: Everyone in the states is entitled to a free annual credit
report
from all three reporting organizations. You should check them once a
year, at least, to make sure there isn't anything on there you don't
recognise. http://www.annualcreditreport.com ... I think it's the
equifax that you can pay a nominal amount to get your fico score
while getting your credit report, but that's nothing to do with this.

Second, I didn't take note of how, but you can block your report so
no one can get credit info about you so you won't be getting these
unsolicited cards and no one else can get cards with your info.
If you then want to apply for a card or any kind of credit, you will
have to do something to allow them access.

nancy

Nancy Young said:

Two things: Everyone in the states is entitled to a free annual credit
report
from all three reporting organizations. You should check them once a
year, at least, to make sure there isn't anything on there you don't
recognise. http://www.annualcreditreport.com ... I think it's the
equifax that you can pay a nominal amount to get your fico score
while getting your credit report, but that's nothing to do with this.

It's easy enough to get a free report but getting errors corrected can
take you the best part of your life. The credit reporting agencies,
without exception, could not care less if their information is accurate
or not, and they demonstrate that to you time and again. I spent three
years trying to straighten out my son's report and it still didn't get
done until he appealed to his local bank branch for help. Most people
don't have months and months to fill out forms, wait 90 days or
whatever, fill out more forms, etc., in hopes it will get straightened
out. And the agencies never acknowledge that they are working on the
problems or that they even received the forms. There never is a phone
number; you can never talk to a real person.

Equifax and the others must have as strong a lobby in D.C. as the
banking industry does.

N.

limey said:

"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

I am fuming over a run in I just had with a local medical laboratory.
I went in to have a routine blood test to see how my over-the-hill
thyroid isn't doing, dammit, when the intake clerk asked for my social
security number. Told him I didn't give it out. He said they couldn't
do the blood test without it. Told him he can't require my SSN unless
he's a lending institution or my bank (which the IRS requires to
report interest).

I think medical offices have a *big* problem. I have had quite a few
medical clerks tell me that it's the way they file patient records, so that
they can't get Mary Smith mixed up with another Mary Smith or two. I think
they'd better find a better way, since it's a sore spot with me, too, Terry.

Dora

It's easy enough to change - just assign random numbers with a master
list somewhere. Any entry-level filing clerk could figure out a
fool-proof system.

As a side note, even SS#s don't guarantee it's the right patient. When
I was about 22 years old, I went to my regular internist for a regular
physical exam and they hooked me up to an EKG machine. They had mixed
up my chart with a 67-year-old's...they were differentiated by SS#s. I
certainly didn't LOOK 67 years old. LOL.

N.

Nancy Young said:

Two things: Everyone in the states is entitled to a free annual credit
report
from all three reporting organizations. You should check them once a
year, at least, to make sure there isn't anything on there you don't
recognise. http://www.annualcreditreport.com ... I think it's the
equifax that you can pay a nominal amount to get your fico score
while getting your credit report, but that's nothing to do with this.

There still isn't any improvement in how the agencies deal with the
consumers. All three will only take written protests; you fill out
mountains of forms and mail them in, and never hear anything. I tried
for 3 years, following all the steps, to clear up my son's report
because the good ol' agencies slapped his data with all of his dad's
data, when his dad died owing money. Different names; different SS#s.
Difficult to explain. After 3 years, nothing happened. My son finally
appealed to his own bank to help, and the reports were magically
corrected. The agencies don't give a f**k whether the report is
correct or not, and their attitude demonstrates this over and over and
over. If you want to dispute a number of incorrect items on your
report, you really have to get an attorney involved, and guess who pays
for that.
They must have the same lobbyists that the banking industry does.

N.

In article <[email hidden]>,

projectile vomit chick said:

On Fri, 06 Jan 2006 09:17:42 -0600, in rec.food.cooking, Melba's
Jammin' <[email hidden]> hit the crackpipe and
declared:

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>,
Terry Pulliam Burd <[email hidden]> wrote:
(snip)

Quoted message said:

See: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6448213/did/10584944/ to see the
lowest of the low in identity theft.

Picking my jaw off the floor!

I note that the guy got his cure in Minneapolis. :-) If I'm not
mistaken, health care is the state's biggest industry.

What's more Meen-a-soh-tan than hotdish!! Did I say it was healthful?
I did not. Gotta keep the health care industry prosperous.

I had lots of Hotdish! in Minnesota.....it's awesome!

Quoted message said:

* Exported from MasterCook Mac *

Chow Mein Noodle Hot Dish

(snip)

Quoted message said:

LOL that was hilarious, thanks. Didn't Jimmy Tango post a similar
recipe a while back, to much ado from the peanut gallery?

Ida Know. And it should really be Hotdish -- one word, not two.
--
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com, updated 1-3-2006, Sam I Am! and Hello!

On Fri, 6 Jan 2006 11:35:36 -0500, "limey" <[email hidden]>
connected the dots and wrote:

~
~"Terry Pulliam Burd" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
~
~>I am fuming over a run in I just had with a local medical
laboratory.
~> I went in to have a routine blood test to see how my over-the-hill
~> thyroid isn't doing, dammit, when the intake clerk asked for my
social
~> security number. Told him I didn't give it out. He said they
couldn't
~> do the blood test without it. Told him he can't require my SSN
unless
~> he's a lending institution or my bank (which the IRS requires to
~> report interest).
~
~I think medical offices have a *big* problem. I have had quite a few
~medical clerks tell me that it's the way they file patient records,
so that
~they can't get Mary Smith mixed up with another Mary Smith or two. I
think
~they'd better find a better way, since it's a sore spot with me, too,
Terry.
~
~Dora
~
Know what? It doesn't matter. I applied for credit at my bank when I
was in my mid-20's. Never had a loan, or a credit card at that point.
Gave them my SSN, and they came back with MY DAD"S credit report!
And no, our SSN's were not in any way similar, nor our addresses at
the time. The fact that there was a credit card listed that was
opened before I was born should have tipped them off, wouldn't you
say?

maxine in ri

On Fri, 06 Jan 2006 16:08:08 -0600, in rec.food.cooking, Melba's
Jammin' <[email hidden]> hit the crackpipe and
declared:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

LOL that was hilarious, thanks. Didn't Jimmy Tango post a similar
recipe a while back, to much ado from the peanut gallery?

Ida Know. And it should really be Hotdish -- one word, not two.

And the exclamation point should be mandatory as well....Hotdish!