Health Care Questions, please help!

College Life
1

Hi all, first post!
I had a question pertaining to health care and a certain situation. Here’s a little background info: I’m 18, just got to college this past August,male, and I’m still on my parents health insurance (Aetna- I have a dependency card).
I am currently trying to get onto a perscription for ADHD medicine. Not any specific type, whatever works for me.

Also, before I go any farther. No, I am NOT in any way shape or form a college student looking for the “magic study pill” or anything other than trying to manage my ADHD.

Normally, people would just go to the doctor and go through the steps to find out what works, and I would do that, except for the fact that my mom will not “allow” me to use ADHD meds (any of them. Adderal, Ritalin, and even the less “dangerous” ones such as strattera), because she doesn’t feel they are safe.

I lasted through high school by doing the techniques my doctor gave me (changing subjects when I reach a block, short studying in 15-30 minute bursts, picking something to focus on like my finger to tap on the desk while I listened to a teacher) but of course as anyone could tell you, college and high school are nowhere near the same and I have found myself struggling.

Now. My question:
What shows up on a health insurance statement? Meaning if I go to see a doctor tomorrow, tell them of the situation mentioned above, and used my insurance card at the office and for my perscription purchase (I pay the co pay and the meds with my money) , what would my mom receive.

Would she get a statement saying “Person went to x doctor for x reason and bought a perscription for x”?
Or would it rather read something more obscure that I could just blame on having a cold or my head hurt really bad.

I realize what I am planning to do, and I realize that I’m doing something really detailed, but I have tried speaking to her about it, asking her to allow me to at least try, techniques, gum, everything. None of it seems to help me like it did in high school. I also do not have the option of getting my own health insurance, because anything I could afford right now wouldn’t even be helpful when paying for things.

Any help you can give is very appreciated, thanks everyone and have a good night!

2

Most insurance companies (HMOs are different) will send a EOB (Explanation of Benefit) for each doctor’s visit. It will list an code for each service provided. It will not list what was treated or the reason for the visit. Sometime the code will give clues. For example, if the code is for applying a cast then indicates a broken bone. In your case, there could be a code if the doctor provides a detail test. Not likely since it sounds like you have an established diagnosis of ADHA. Ask the doctor what the billing code would be and look it up.

Now prescriptions, it is different depending on how the pharmacy bills the insurance companies. However, at years end many people get a detail report from the drug store for tax proposes. It that case, it would show up. If you are under 18, your parents do not need your approval to get this information. Also insurance companies have web sites where the information is available to the policy owner even if the child is over 18. However, you are not required to use your insurance. You can get the prescription filled without ever showing an insurance card. Your costs will likely be higher.

Now college is different. You can go to the campus health center for your medical needs and your parents cannot see your medical records. Most campus health centers do not bill the insurance company since your student fees cover the cost. Ask how your school bills for heath center visits. However, the school will likely evaluate you to determine if you are truly ADHD. You still have the prescription problem but if you pay out of your pocket you can hide it.

I will let other comment on the peril of the deception with your parents. If you are ADHD then maybe your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of the medicines.