When you apply for a life insurance policy, an insurance company often requires a physical exam and blood tests. The company saves the information gathered from these tests. Visits to mental health professionals can also generate medical records. If you visit a psychiatrist or a therapist and then submit the bill to your HMO or health insurer, this information becomes part of your medical record. Genetic testing is poised to become another battle in the privacy war.
Genetic testing can alert people to any predisposition to inherited diseases.
If your HMO or health insurer pays for this test, though, your DNA results will become part of their records, as well. Analysts and lawmakers are just starting to broach the subject of genetic testing and discrimination based on the results of the tests. Many people may not be aware of the breadth of information in medical records. Naturally, the records contain your health history, which will include diagnoses and treatments of any diseases or conditions, tests conducted, even the date of checkups. More ominously, medical records might also contain information about your family history, past or current substance abuse, sexual behavior, records of psychiatric care, and mental illness.