Can I see doctor without social security number?

[debbiedoo 2,339]

1 minute ago, NikLR said:

To behonest, health care costs are one of the reasons i consider becoming a USC.  

I could move back to Canada, spend 3 months, get healthcare treatment, then move back without having to reapply for an IR1 visa. 

our healthcare here TERRIFIES paul ....

[NikLR 13,220]

Just now, debbiedoo said:

our healthcare here TERRIFIES paul ....

Canadian healthcare? Or American?

[debbiedoo 2,339]

1 minute ago, NikLR said:

Canadian healthcare? Or American?

hes canadian. american healthcare terrifies him lol

 

heck, terrifies ME too...

[NikLR 13,220]

Just now, debbiedoo said:

hes canadian. american healthcare terrifies him lol

 

heck, terrifies ME too...

Oh yes it has always scared me.  Hubs is sure to let me know each year when open enrollment is so I can ask him to make changes. 

We have an HSA which makes me feel a little better.  But this is off topic for the OP. 

[belinda63 2,981]

This is the United States where money rules. You can receive all the healthcare you can afford to pay for. I strongly recommend obtaining health insurance as quickly as possible. You will be expected to pay for all medical care although emergency care cannot be denied for a lack of insurance or money. 

[Ketsuban 1,034]

See if the hospital has a charity programme for the uninsured. I got a $6000 ER bill reduced to a few hundred. 

[Diane and Chris 651]

3 hours ago, Ketsuban said:

See if the hospital has a charity programme for the uninsured. I got a $6000 ER bill reduced to a few hundred. 

Exactly!  Also, you can call around and tell them you have no insurance and many times you can get a significant cash discount if you tell them you have no insurance. Of course, this wouldn’t always work in an emergency situation.  Important thing is to always ask!  

[Prawninator 138]

I had to go to the ER once because my jaw was locked open (it looked funny for like 5 seconds) and I couldn't shift it back no matter what I did. They brought me to a room where I waited, alone, for about 20mins. Couldn't answer questions cuz I couldn't move my jaw, but they made me fill out paperwork. I pointedly left the SSN field blank.

 

I finally couldn't handle it, and was in so much pain I barfed over the side of the hospital bed, and the pressure coming from deep within the depths of my body (a delicious steak dinner I had had only an hour or so prior) wrenched my jaw back into place. NOW a doctor did a rudimentary exam and gave me something for the nausea. She left, then another doctor came in to do the same examination the previous doctor just did. I refused, but he took my heartbeat and whatnot anyway, despite my protests, but I was so out of it from the pain, I couldn't exactly fight him off.

Two weeks later I received a bill for $500ish from the hospital, and one for $300ish from that second doctor. I refused to pay the second doctor, and was sent to collections, but they couldn't attack my credit score; I never supplied my SSN.

 

$800 to be there for 20mins, where I fixed my own darn problem.

Don't give our your SSN!

Edited November 9, 2018 by Prawninator

[Mina90 134]

When did you arrive to the US? The marketplace just opened up for enrollment for next year; although, rates are going up and are at an all time high. Does your spouse have health insurance? If you came to the US recently and your spouse has insurance already, you can be added on because it would qualify as a life event most likely. Going to the doctor's without insurance can quickly add up. This should have been something you and your spouse talked about before your arrival here. It's one of the most important things to deal with here. 

[yuna628 9,530]

OP: No you do not need to provide an SSN to see a doctor.

 

The larger question is though, have you applied for an SSN and do you have health insurance?

 

You can see just about anyone you can find an appointment for and will take you without insurance... but without insurance, unless you are fairly wealthy it's unlikely you can afford it. That being said most states have minute clinics that a person can go to if they need a doctor for minor things like sprains, coughs, flu, and minor injuries. These will usually be cheaper than going to a hospital setting or even a PC. But if paying out of pocket it will still be costly. As for going to a hospital without insurance you are looking at thousands of dollars. And no, even if you have insurance you don't have to provide an SSN either. A recent trip to the hospital, an SSN was not required nor was asked for.. only our insurance info. For a few hours stay it cost over $6000.

 

Talk to your spouse and get yourself onto their plan. Or find a plan of your own, if you don't have one.

[FamousJerry 47]

My wife hasn't had a social security card issues yet. But she is allowed on my insurance. We are in california so it could be different from where you are. 

[Rusty72 68]

12 hours ago, Reqahmed said:

Thank you. Do I have to pay for per service? Also do you know if I can do insurance without SSN and how long it can take ? 

Yes you do even of you have insurance there is a cost to you

[Lemonslice 4,556]

Depending on how ill you're feeling, and where you live, many urgent care clinics can treat minor ailments at a small cost, no SSN needed. Do not go to the hospital ER unless it's major...

[Mr & Mrs 53]

14 hours ago, Reqahmed said:

Hi I came to us with Cr1 visa. While I wait for my social security number can I see doctor or go to hospital without SSN or green card? Thank you.

You can go and see a doctor ,you don't need an SSN or green card for this .If they ask you can simply tell them that you don't have one but since you don't have insurance you will have to pay out of your pocket ,usually they charge anywhere between $250-$400 to see a doctor.

[SalishSea 16,775]

8 hours ago, FamousJerry said:

My wife hasn't had a social security card issues yet. But she is allowed on my insurance. We are in california so it could be different from where you are. 

Same with us.  I added my husband to my employment-based insurance, and we will give them the SSN when he gets it.