Korean Job Discussion Forums

[interestedinhanguk]

It's being mentioned on another thread, but I wanted to start a thread dedicated to the topic.

I've been here about 2 years. I haven't had much problems with medical info being divulged. this is, of course. apart from when the secretary and my boss made sure to carefully read all the details of my medical check (for my ARC). But, I suppose that happens to everyone.

Anyways, we know that medical info is often given to employers. My question is about the actual legality of it (despite whether the law is followed or not). Are there laws protecting medical privacy?

Also, do some places, such as the international clinics, stick to acceptable privacy standards, even if it is self-enforced?

[nathanrutledge]

I've never had my papers turned over to my employer. I went to the hospital on my own. I had the exam done on my own. I picked it up on my own. I turned it into immigration directly, on my own.

The hospital never asked for any information regarding where I worked. They wanted my home address, which I didn't remember when I first came, so they skipped it. The only phone number they have is mine, which is in my name, unrelated to the school.

There is no way that my school would know any of my medical history, unless I tell it to them.

So, be a man. Don't tell them.

[Troglodyte]

I'm not sure but i think that if you use your health insurance, the employer might know about it. They can also ask for a letter from your doctor if you claim a sick day. Those things in themselves are not a big problem (for me). But..... you should be aware of those things. If you have a condition that you don't want the boss to know about, don't go to the same doctor/clinic that you go to when you get a note to say that you have the flu. As well, be careful about what you claim with your health insurance. If something is cheap already and you don't want your boss to know about it, don't claim it.

[lille]

Oh god, have I got a story about medical privacy for YOU.

Last year, I went for my regular gyno appointment and to get an IUD placed. I really liked the doctor, so when my bf mentioned getting checked I sent him along to the doc I'd just visited.

When he arrived in the office, he casually mentions that his gf, so-and-so, recommended this office. The nurses proceed to whip out an A4 glossy photograph OF MY CERVIX to show him. "Tell your gf her cervix is healthy," they say, not bothering to lower their voices or hide the enormous blown-up glossy from the full waiting room of strangers.

Egregious, guys.