Have you ever been asked by a doctor if you own a gun? When York County resident Ben Davis took his little girl in for a check-up, that’s exactly what they asked. “I kind of just stood there shocked and was like I really don’t think that’s something that needs to be spoken about. That’s my business not yours, doc,” said Davis.
He’s not alone. We asked the question on FOX43’s Facebook account and got hundreds of comments and emails about similar experiences. Many say they think it’s an invasion of privacy, but Dauphin County resident Joshua Etterman doesn’t agree. “I understand why the doctors ask questions like that. They’re not asking people if they have a gun because they’re keeping this vast data base of people who have guns. No,” said Etterman.
Doctors actually could lose their licenses if they share information about patients owning guns, and language in the Affordable Care Act specifically says that a doctor is not required to ask about guns. “The Government and Obamacare are not forcing us to do this,” said Wellspan Health Pediatrician Caroline Hall. So why ask? “We ask because we’re concerned about anything that could pose a danger to children just like we ask about if there are smokers around the children,” said Dr. Hall.
It’s not a new question. The American Academy of Pediatrics added it to its guidelines more than a decade ago. It’s often asked in pediatrics, but Pinnacle Health’s Medical Director Joseph Cincotta said it’s also a question for adults. “We don’t take a position as to whether people can or cannot own guns. To us that’s irrelevant. If a person wants to own a gun that’s fine. Our issue revolves around safety,” said Dr. Cincotta.