Korean Job Discussion Forums

[thebomb]

I have a question regarding privacy issues pertaining to Medical Examinations requested by your employer.

I have been working for this firm for just over a year now, and they have asked all the staff to take the biennial medical exam conducted at a nearby hospital. I have no problems with the exam at all. My gripe is that if they find something medically wrong with you then the company is informed first. I really do not wish the management of the company discussing my medical problems even before I am aware that I have a problem.

I have told the HR department that I will have my test conducted privately at my expense, however, some co-workers, all Korean, have commented that my views are strange.

So my question to you all is, do you think that the company are conducting themselves in a way that is openly an invasion of my privacy, or am I just acting like a complete a rse?

I do believe myself to be correct and I will stick my guns on this issue, I would just appreciate others opinions and/or experiences.

[Fresh Prince]

Would the hosptial tell your employer anyway?

[thebomb]

Yes, i have been told that any medical problems that are found by the tests are sent as a list straight the company. So basically they recieve a list of the people with med probs and their illnesses.

[SuperFly]

I did the exam and I can tell you that only basic tests are made. If you're worried about something deeper, then it might be prudent for you to have a pre-exam done before you do the one for the company. That way you know what's coming and what will be reported ahead of time, if you're that worried about it.

[hubba bubba]

I'm with you on this. Being FORCED by your employer to take a medical exam is just wrong to begin with. Letting management have the results before you is unacceptable in my opinion. Why should they have anything to do with my health?

What would happen if you flat out refused to take the test?

[Bingo]

This is one of the things about Korea that drives me nuts. I was in hospital six months ago. I phoned my school to tell them that I was in such and such a hospital. I would be in for a week. When I got back to school I told my co-teacher why I was in the hospital. I told him my ailment. He said 'Oh, I know already." I was flabbergasted and quite angry.

I never mentioned my ailment to him before that, only the hospital where I was. Obviously either he or someone else phoned the hospital and asked what was wrong with me. That's a gross violation of my privacy right there. But even worse. Obviously the doctor told him my personal health details over the phone. It's one thing for the school to try and snoop on the foreign teacher's health issues. It's another altogether for the hospital to accommodate him.

The person enquiring over the phone could have been anyone. The hospital had no way of confirming it was my school calling. It could have been anyone trying to get dirt on me for any number of reasons. (Not that my friggin school had any more right to phone the hospital or be privy to that information.)

[ED209]

Was it in your contract? If you didn't agree to then yes it is invasive. But from the sound of it your boss they have accepted a scenario where you go to the doctors and find out first, is that right? If you are still worried about them talking to the hospital don't tell them which one, or give them the name of a different hospital. You could also get a medical certificate and hand this to your employer by which time you should know if there are any problems.

[Bingo]

My contract (GEPIK) stated that a note from a doctor was only required after missing seven days of work. I missed five days (during the winter break). Moreover, if a case existed where the school had the right to call the doctor, it should be done by either the vice-principal or administration. THEN that information should be kept confidential, not passed on to co-teachers.

[Drunken Monkey]

The medical checks can go into a fair amount of detail.

I recently had mine and it included the basics tests...height, wieght, BP, blood, urine, eyesight, hearing and a few other tests that are a bit more detailed, chest x-ray, ecg, sonograph of thyroid and abdomen.

It will all depend on the deal they have struck with the hospital, you may be given an option of the tests you take i.e. pick 3 from a list of 6 and depending on your age there may be a few more tests they do and dependant upon your position within the company you may have more tests (Our Senior managers get the full work up whilst staff lower down get less detailed exam).

I appreciate your concern regarding the company finding out about any ailments you may have but personally i would rather know than avoid the issue if there was something major wrong with me.

Finally, whatever you decide, i.e. doing the company medical or taking a private one, make sure the hospital can give you a report in English.

[thebomb]

To the people that have had medical tests done privately here. What is the normal costs for a basic test?

[Lost]

I just think that you have been a *beep* down in Thailand or on hooker Hill a little too much and your too scared or mature to get an STD test down for yourself. Good luck!

For your info......I've done the hospital test.......Its simple and painless.....you shouldnt have anything to worry about.......I had the hospital mail me the results to my home and returned them to my employer after.....I even walked it over to an english speaking doctor and had him explain my results. It was all Kool!

[thebomb]

[thebomb]

[quote="Lost"] your too mature to get an STD test down for yourself. Good luck!

What the feck is that supposed to mean?

[seoulsucker]

[Bingo]

[quote="seoulsucker"][quote="thebomb"][quote="Lost"] your too mature to get an STD test down for yourself. Good luck! [/quote]

What the feck is that supposed to mean? :?[/quote]

It means the same thing this does.
[quote="Lost"][b]your[/b] too scared or [b]mature[/b] [/quote]

He's either undereducated, not a native speaker, or both. :wink:[/quote]

Or seriously drunk.