Demanding the SSN
Can we require patients to give us their Social Security number? We use it as a patient identifier.
Question: Can we require patients to give us their Social Security number? We use it as a patient identifier.
Answer: In some limited circumstances, you may need the Social Security number. For example, some states require it for Medicaid billing. However, if you simply like the ease of the number for internal purposes, patients are within their rights to refuse to give it to you. In fact, given the rates of identity theft these days, they have good reason not to give it out to just anyone who asks for it.
You may refuse to treat patients who won't provide the number - provided you meet other rules regarding patient abandonment. However, why get nasty? If a patient doesn't want to give you his Social Security number, just assign him an arbitrary nine-digit number as a patient identifier.
For more detailed information on when you can and can't require a Social Security number, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10002.html.
The Role of Third-Party Financing in the Health and Wellness Payment Landscape
April 17th 2025"How patients access and seek out health and wellness care continues to evolve amid growing costs and a changing healthcare landscape – and communication around payment options continues to impact how patients select their provider. In this whitepaper, Synchrony shares new data on the vital role alternative payment options have on patient decisions, and how providers can strengthen their financial offerings. Learning Objectives: • Learn the current trends impacting the ability of in-house financing plans to meet patient demands. • Understand patients’ financing preferences and how it directly impacts behaviors when pursuing care and choosing a provider. • Discover how third-party financing can support practices to meet patients’ needs, help relieve administrative burdens, and stay competitive within an ever-evolving healthcare industry. "
