NHS STI clinic - anonymity advice

[proton.punter]

Sorry if this has been asked before a lot, I did search but couldn’t find more recent info. I’d like to make an appointment at a nearby NHS STI clinic, but of course would prefer to remain as anonymous as possible.

I know private is an option but prefer NHS. Also prefer to speak to someone than home test kit.   

So, I believe they ask for name, address, phone number, email, GP?

Is it better to say I’d prefer not to give those details (phone no/email would be fine)? Or just make up some fake details for name/address/GP, and maybe make a fool of myself if I am questioned.

Thanks all.

[daviemac]

It's as anonymous as you want it to be, it even tells you on the NHS website you don't need to give your real name, just some contact details.

External Link/Members Only

[proton.punter]

It's as anonymous as you want it to be, it even tells you on the NHS website you don't need to give your real name, just some contact details.

External Link/Members Only

Great thank you, I’d hoped that was correct but then read people being asked details anyway. Just say prefer not to give those details I guess.

[JustaPunter]

Just use SHL

Free postal tests

[proton.punter]

Just use SHL

Free postal tests

Says London only, plus I did say I prefer face to face not postal.

[daviemac]

Just use SHL

Free postal tests

Phone the one local to where you are in the country and follow the advice they give is the way to go. Pointless saying what one in London does if you're in Glasgow.

[yandex]

The clinic will not share your information and they keep separate records of visits etc which are exclusive of your general record unless there's a reason to disclose. I understand people's level of paranoia about visiting a sexual health clinic but there's really no need. The people who work there are guaranteed to have seen and heard way more than anything you will be telling them (unless you really are 'out there' at the cutting edge of sexual experimentation) and they won't be gossiping to anyone about it.

Whilst a false name might sound like a good idea and probably doesn't matter where a general check up is concerned, it might be less sensible where more serious and long term health conditions are involved.

Having said that, better to get checked out under an alias than not at all. Good luck!

[usroads]

+1
Give them your correct name, correct phone number and be honest about your sexual activity. Everything is totally confidential. Y0u can choose not to let them contact your medical centre. And they've seen it all before - you're not unique

[Joball87]

If you're concerned by anything don't muck about and seek appropriate advice. Also as you may know, dependent on the exposure type (eg herpes, syphilis, ghonereah, warts, HIV etc) the infection time varies a lot before the relevant test gives a true result. Eg if you had a condom break and discovered both of you were bleeding (or not, giving a more risky scenario) then taking an HIV test alone the next day is pointless - but instead seeking medical advice is the best bet.

[Straightsix]

"Gordon's alive?"...😄

[JustaPunter]

Phone the one local to where you are in the country and follow the advice they give is the way to go. Pointless saying what one in London does if you're in Glasgow.

OP never said where he lives.

[daviemac]

OP never said where he lives.

His reviews are for punts in the West Midlands and the only local area he posts in is also the WM, maybe safe to assume he's WM based.   

[proton.punter]

+1
Give them your correct name, correct phone number and be honest about your sexual activity. Everything is totally confidential. Y0u can choose not to let them contact your medical centre. And they've seen it all before - you're not unique

No issue with embarrassment to be honest, I've dropped my kegs a few times at doctors 
I prefer to be truthful as it's just easier than remembering some BS backstory.

More of an issue of:
1) data leaks of information
2) affecting future holiday/health insurance, i.e. voiding insurance if it comes to light, even though not related to the health issue but insurances can still void the whole lot. Could be talking ££££'s if abroad especially USA.

His reviews are for punts in the West Midlands and the only local area he posts in is also the WM, maybe safe to assume he's WM based.   

Yup!

[signy]

What name you use is up to you. However, it IS important that you are honest about the locations of any escorts (or civvies) with whom you have had sex. This information helps the health services to identify hotspots or outbreaks of STIs, and target information in those areas. At least, that is how it used to work; I am not sure they have the same resources at the moment, but that is no excuse for not providing the correct information.
 

[proton.punter]

To be clear I have had no accidents/symptoms, just want to sort regular checkups to be responsible.

[Lou2019]

To be clear I have had no accidents/symptoms, just want to sort regular checkups to be responsible.

  that’s the right attitude to have

[Joball87]

I do the same Mr Proton - and very regularly. If I can't access proper clinic I use those diy kits where you squeeze your finger white for like 15 drops of blood etc. Always best to de-risk things to the max possible

[Doc Holliday]

More of an issue of:
1) data leaks of information
2) affecting future holiday/health insurance, i.e. voiding insurance if it comes to light, even though not related to the health issue but insurances can still void the whole lot. Could be talking ££££'s if abroad especially USA.

Did you read this reply ... which is accurate?

The clinic will not share your information and they keep separate records of visits etc which are exclusive of your general record unless there's a reason to disclose. I understand people's level of paranoia about visiting a sexual health clinic but there's really no need.

[Strawberry]

Why on earth would having sexual health checks affect holiday insurance?

It's years since simply having an HIV test was allowed to be taken into consideration.

[proton.punter]

Did you read this reply ... which is accurate?

Why on earth would having sexual health checks affect holiday insurance?

It's years since simply having an HIV test was allowed to be taken into consideration.

It might not make sense or be fair but it is definitely an issue. And if the clinic deems appropriate to disclose / share it with your GP, those records subsequently can be requested by insurance companies.

Having experienced the USA’s medical system firsthand I can tell you I would not want to pay what they could charge you potentially. Maybe less of an issue in Europe, who knows after Brexit.


External Link/Members Only
“ Always declare your medical conditions, or your cover could be invalidated and you won't be able to claim for anything, whether it's related or not.”

[daviemac]

It might not make sense or be fair but it is definitely an issue. And if the clinic deems appropriate to disclose / share it with your GP, those records subsequently can be requested by insurance companies.

Having experienced the USA’s medical system firsthand I can tell you I would not want to pay what they could charge you potentially. Maybe less of an issue in Europe, who knows after Brexit.


External Link/Members Only
“ Always declare your medical conditions, or your cover could be invalidated and you won't be able to claim for anything, whether it's related or not.”

Did you read the link I posted or are you just making things up as you go along.   

To start unless it's HIV, sexual health has nothing at all to do with travel insurance. Having said that the sensible thing to do would be to ask the insurance company at the time of taking out the policy just to be on the safe side.

A visit to a GUM clinic is totally confidential, they don't even tell a child under 16's parents without their consent. Just as they can't pass your information to your GP without your consent.

BTW for an insurance company to see your medical records they need your consent, they can't 'request' them.   

[proton.punter]

Did you read the link I posted or are you just making things up as you go along.   

To start unless it's HIV, sexual health has nothing at all to do with travel insurance. Having said that the sensible thing to do would be to ask the insurance company at the time of taking out the policy just to be on the safe side.

A visit to a GUM clinic is totally confidential, they don't even tell a child under 16's parents without their consent. Just as they can't pass your information to your GP without your consent.

BTW for an insurance company to see your medical records they need your consent, they can't 'request' them.

I did read the link but don’t agree with your opinion, do I have to agree or I’m a wacko?
If I don’t feel comfortable trusting them with my data then why is that an issue.

BTW insurance companies will not pay unless you consent to share your GP records.

[daviemac]

I did read the link but don’t agree with your opinion, do I have to agree or I’m a wacko?
If I don’t feel comfortable trusting them with my data then why is that an issue.

BTW insurance companies will not pay unless you consent to share your GP records.

You most certainly don't have to agree with me, you just need to check the facts for yourself. How can they illegally pass on information to a patient's doctor when they don't know who their doctor is.

When I first went to get checked, as I'm single, I used my real name and normal telephone number, but I was not asked if the name was real or not nor was I asked anything about who my doctor is. They were quite happy with my name and telephone number. The only thing they did ask was how I wanted the results, over the phone, by text, or in an unmarked letter.  Obviously by letter would mean giving an address, something you don't need to do.

When you go to get checked what information do they expect from you, do they require the name of your doctor. If your experience is different to the normal I would be interested to hear about it. It might be that different health authorities operate under different rules.

[Doc Holliday]

I did read the link but don’t agree with your opinion, do I have to agree or I’m a wacko?
If I don’t feel comfortable trusting them with my data then why is that an issue.

BTW insurance companies will not pay unless you consent to share your GP records.

Your argument is going around in circles. You seem paranoid about your medical history being secure? When it is pointed out you can access Sexual Health services, separately using a fake name and without involving your GP, you say you would prefer to give your real details thus perpetuating your paranoia?

On the question of not disclosing pre-existing conditions to an Insurance company ... then yes you always should disclose, but declaring that you have been tested for STI's and been negative, is hardly likely to affect a premium. As Davie pointed out earlier HIV would be the only condition they would be remotely interested in, in terms of premiums because it is chronic in nature and raises the possibility of requiring treatment when you are travelling. If you had an HIV diagnosis, that would almost certainly be on your GP records anyway.

You are attempting to over complicate something which is extremely simple.

[Doc Holliday]

Also

I know private is an option but prefer NHS. Also prefer to speak to someone than home test kit.   

How would Private be less of a risk?

[proton.punter]

You are attempting to over complicate something which is extremely simple.

Yes probably 
I’ll figure it out what I feel comfortable with, thanks.

[daviemac]

Yes probably 
I’ll figure it out what I feel comfortable with, thanks.

I would still be interested in what information you were required to give to the clinic you attend.   

[lillythesavage]

I did read the link but don’t agree with your opinion, do I have to agree or I’m a wacko?
If I don’t feel comfortable trusting them with my data then why is that an issue.

BTW insurance companies will not pay unless you consent to share your GP records.

Are you a serial insurance claimer, or planning a claim shortly ?  Maybe this game is a little to risky for you ? seems a strange thing to be worried about

[proton.punter]

I would still be interested in what information you were required to give to the clinic you attend.   

I’ll be calling Monday to get an appointment so am happy to post how it goes here.

[daviemac]

I’ll be calling Monday to get an appointment so am happy to post how it goes here.

When you do go (if they are doing walk-in appointments) no doubt you will find out for sure that all the information given on this thread regarding anonymity and what can or can't be disclosed to your doctor is totally correct.

[usroads]

Have i got this right OP:-
You have not barebacked?
You have not had a condom bust?
You have no symptoms of an STI?
If the answer's yes to the latter then the clinic will most likely not invite you for an appointment. They will advise you get a home test kit for a number of STI's - most likely C & G

[Mkhelen]

External Link/Members Only health.co.uk
Walk in clinic
Whittall Street, Birmingham, B4 6DH
Book an appointment
Tel: 0121 237 5700

Say your John Smith and use punting phone number

Tell them honestly you see sex workers

Get your hep b vaccine as well

[signy]

Just tidying up that link as it is useful information.

External Link/Members Only

[proton.punter]

When you do go (if they are doing walk-in appointments) no doubt you will find out for sure that all the information given on this thread regarding anonymity and what can or can't be disclosed to your doctor is totally correct.

Ok so reticent to update this thread but did say I would update with my experience. Called my local clinic last couple weeks, and they took details. I didn’t give any GP or address, they seemed used to that and had a fake post code they use so it doesn’t ever show up in a search. Received a phone appointment at a later date, went through all my history etc and got me booked in for routine checkups soon.
So it was a little awkward at first being anonymous but no problems in the end at all. Said they only contact gp if you have some disease and they can’t get hold of you. My concern wasn’t really the clinics procedures tbh but good to know. So all sorted for now and I have a unique patient number and they have my punting number.
Maybe overkill but if anyone searches for the info it’s all here now!

[PunTor13]

Unnecessary convolution, but if it makes the OP happier, you can do that.

Why unnecessary? Because of the extra confidentiality in GUMed.

Go to your GP and they blab (unlikely!), but you could sue them, they could get struck off, but they can't go to jail.
GUMed? Absent some very specific exceptions,  It is a criminal offence, so add "they can go to jail" to the get struck off and get sued.

Even when they send samples  to the lab, they are under the clinic number: the closest it gets to identifying you is your date of birth and gender.

Do what makes you feel happier but you are more at risk of getting caught by results texts coming through and someone seeing them than you are by the GUMed clinic 'leaking' information.

[daviemac]

Unnecessary convolution, but if it makes the OP happier, you can do that.

Why unnecessary? Because of the extra confidentiality in GUMed.

Go to your GP and they blab (unlikely!), but you could sue them, they could get struck off, but they can't go to jail.
GUMed? Absent some very specific exceptions,  It is a criminal offence, so add "they can go to jail" to the get struck off and get sued.

Even when they send samples  to the lab, they are under the clinic number: the closest it gets to identifying you is your date of birth and gender.

Do what makes you feel happier but you are more at risk of getting caught by results texts coming through and someone seeing them than you are by the GUMed clinic 'leaking' information.

You've lost me mate, no idea what's unnecessary or what the OP can do if it 'makes him happier'?

While you're here, any chance of making some form of useful contributions by way of reviews.   

[Marmalade]

After you’ve given them your real name, isn’t it sweet how the nurse walks into the crowded waiting room and asks in a nice loud clear voice for everyone to hear… “Mr…. ?“.

[Doc Holliday]

After you’ve given them your real name, isn’t it sweet how the nurse walks into the crowded waiting room and asks in a nice loud clear voice for everyone to hear… “Mr…. ?“.

  Or conversely when he/she shouts out "Mr Donald Duck" and three people stand up.

[Marmalade]

Or conversely when he/she shouts out "Mr Donald Duck" and three people stand up.

And then in a mixed waiting room all the ladies immediately check their Facebook contacts to see if Donald Duck is a friend of their friends.