That depends on the doctor.
He may "keep it confidential" in terms of not telling your husband or parents, but if he puts it in his records AND the insurance company demands to see his notes, then they will know.
Some doctors will agree to leave it out of their notes, but most won't. They need to keep accurate records of what drugs they have ordered for every patient so that if they get sued, their records are complete. :(
If you are really worried, go to a Planned Parenthood clinic, pay the full cost, and use a false name. Change your birthday to the holiday closest to your real birthday (like 12/25, 7/4, 2/14, etc. -- something you can remember). Or, if your last name is a common one, use your own middle name and last name.
People who have employer-based health care have a lot less privacy than they think they do. That is why so many Americans are disappointed that there was no "public option" in the new health care reform -- something like "Medicare for Everyone." The government would have your health records, but a government clerk is a lot less likely to gossip about your pap smear or your partner's vasectomy than some clerk who works where you do and is gossiping with people who know you.
He may "keep it confidential" in terms of not telling your husband or parents, but if he puts it in his records AND the insurance company demands to see his notes, then they will know.
Some doctors will agree to leave it out of their notes, but most won't. They need to keep accurate records of what drugs they have ordered for every patient so that if they get sued, their records are complete. :(
If you are really worried, go to a Planned Parenthood clinic, pay the full cost, and use a false name. Change your birthday to the holiday closest to your real birthday (like 12/25, 7/4, 2/14, etc. -- something you can remember). Or, if your last name is a common one, use your own middle name and last name.
People who have employer-based health care have a lot less privacy than they think they do. That is why so many Americans are disappointed that there was no "public option" in the new health care reform -- something like "Medicare for Everyone." The government would have your health records, but a government clerk is a lot less likely to gossip about your pap smear or your partner's vasectomy than some clerk who works where you do and is gossiping with people who know you.
