Do you get asked your religion when you want to see a doctor?

[bare_trees]

Asking because my doctor moved to a different clinic, so I had to go through the intake process as though I was a new patient of hers.  I had to do it over the phone; completing the form online wasn't an option.  The scheduler I was speaking to went down a list of items and when she said, "Religion?" I was surprised because I've never been asked that to see a doctor, and didn't think it was any of their business.  I asked some friends about it and they said it's asked because some religions don't believe in blood transfusions and that sort of thing.  Is it typical that new patients are asked this?

[Guest]

I have always been asked my religion when registering with the doctor (never comes up after that unless I bring it up).

 

I just recently registered with a new doctor as I moved back to my home town, and was again asked my religion.

 

Though I believe that answering is optional.

[Guest]

I don't think that I've ever been asked. My grandma was a nurse and at that time the employees all needed to have the same confession as the hospital's sponsors. All patients were treated regardless of their confessions.

[rebis]

I am really only vaguely recalling, but what I recall is my reflexive picking of "none", or whatever equivalent of that choice.

 

I think the reason I remember this is because it's not even completely true; I'm just really leery of sharing things about myself unnecessarily. Anyway, I know I've answered that question enough to not be surprised when I get it ... and I can't think of where else they would ask? Employers can't ask, can they?

[everywhere and nowhere]

I've never been asked that. On the other hand, Poland is relatively homogenous in this respect, and some people want to believe that it's much more homogenous than it actually is - 90% Catholic is already bullshit.

(Nevertheless, as a nondenominational, but anti-anti-religious person, I feel sorry that the Catholic Church's abuses in all areas - not just sexual, but also financial, political etc. - seem to lead to brute force secularisation. People have been understandably repelled by the Church, but the fact that it is corrupt doesn't mean that abandonment of all religiosity and spirituality  is the only alternative. I'm saying it because, unfortunately, online atheists seem quite aggressive - it's enough for them to see the word "God" and they erupt that "there's no god!!!!!". And there are really many more alternatives.)

 

On the other hand, I generally avoid visiting doctors except my dentist - I treat all minor problems myself. But I've been to an orthopedist this year and nope, nobody asked about it.

[MarRister]

I can’t remember being asked such a thing but I may have just not paid enough attention the my intake forms.

 

If it is done, it is likely to do with some religions not being okay with certain medical practices. Like jehovas witness generally won’t accept blood transfusions. Or it can have to do with spiritual care, like if someone is dying they may want a priest present or what not. Or just to give medical professionals a bit of insight into the person so as to give the best care, like helping them with prayer at certain times, respecting their own traditions, etc.

[Guest]

I've been asked a few times. They absolutely ask you before any kind of hospital stay in the United States to see if you're a Jehovah's Witness, because it's against that religion to receive blood transfusions.

[Guest]

No healthcare provider has ever asked me what my religion is. I live in the Balkans, and was born in a country where religion used to be written on identity cards, but that got scrapped before I was born. I've never had to go to a hospital though (apart from an eye surgery when I was three so I couldn't give out info myself then), just clinics.

[Leon Is A Doll]

I have never been asked about my religion by any doctor.

It isn't a common thing for them to do when they provide healthcare in my country. You can state your religion if you really think it is necessary. But they won't ask you about it. 

[crows_garden]

Never been asked, but that may be due to my age and my mom probably said somethin' about our standpoint on it some years ago. I can see why people would ask that though, some religions have nitpicks about healthcare.

[Iam9man]

3 hours ago, bare_trees said:

I asked some friends about it and they said it's asked because some religions don't believe in blood transfusions and that sort of thing.  Is it typical that new patients are asked this?

I’ve been asked before and assumed it was for this reason.

[daveb]

I've never been asked, but I have never had a hospital stay, and don't even go to the clinic or doctor's office much.

[ben8884]

No but when I registered to vote in Ontario I had the option of declaring myself Catholic or non-Catholic. This is because in Ontario, Catholics have their own school board so its a question of which school board I can vote for.

[Libellule]

I don't recall ever being asked this question at any doctor's practice I've been to. Admittedly that's not a lot, but I feel like if a doctor had ever asked me about my religion I would most definitely remember it.

[iff]

I've been with the same gp practice for 38 years so I don't recall. 

 

I however do recall it in an a&e on the form, asking what religion. I left it blank and then nurse examining form proceeds to ask me the question as I left it blank. I didn't miss the question, I had no answer

Looking this up is that For hospitals, it is a standard question in case they need a priest for the last rites

[Ceebs]

I've been asked at the hospital sometimes, like in the emergency department or when being admitted. It might be because of some religions prohibiting certain things as others have said, yeah... I think more commonly I've gathered that it's to have something on record should I want 'spiritual care' while in hospital. (Dunno about elsewhere, but most Canadian hospitals I've been to have multi-faith chapel type spaces and people from various religions who will come round to visit patients.)

 

I don't think I've had anyone ask outside of a hospital setting, though.

[a little annihilation]

When I saw a psychiatrist she asked for my religion and when I told her I'm a satanist she proceeded to tell me about someone who escaped from a satanic cult. My grandpa said she was just about ready to perform an exorcism on me. Since that psychiatrist no longer works for the mental health company I'm with, I'll have to go through that process all over again.

[Destranix]

That wouldn't even be allowed in my country. So they'd be allowed to ask the question but data-privacy prevents companies from doing anything with it, they arn't even allowed to write it down.

 

[bare_trees]

I'm low-key disappointed that no one chose "I avoid doctors at all costs" lol, because though that isn't me, that's a take I can certainly understand.

[A User]

I don't think so. But then again im a minor so maybe that's not common practice

[Blueberry Pie]

I think it might be in my personal info that I filled out online for my doctor, but I don't recall ever being asked this in-person.

[Starry Sky]

I have a few times

[Jelle]

I've never been asked this. Even though I live in a country that has many immigrants of different religions and it's something normal to see here.

 

The only time this question has been asked was when I was in the hospital and my husband was filling the paperwork for the insurance company, but that was because they wanted to know more about me to provide better rehabilitation and aftercare or something. I'm still quite puzzled about it.

[Jelle]

19 hours ago, bare_trees said:

I'm low-key disappointed that no one chose "I avoid doctors at all costs" lol, because though that isn't me, that's a take I can certainly understand.

I'm under the permanent care of three doctors, so I wouldn't be helpful on that matter

[everywhere and nowhere]

19 hours ago, bare_trees said:

I'm low-key disappointed that no one chose "I avoid doctors at all costs" lol, because though that isn't me, that's a take I can certainly understand.

I did. I just didn't remember to answer the poll itself (as opposed to the topic).

[Luftschlosseule]

Last time I was in hospital I was asked if I wanted to recieve the holy communion, which I politely declined. It's a Catholic hospital attached to a monastery, so every room had a cross and you would have been able to go to confession. But that was more a "do you want to recieve this service we offer", and not even asked by the medical professionals.

The only other place I could think of where it might be relevant might be in therapy, to give a full background of your life.

 

[ElloryJaye]

I have been asked prior to elective surgery whether or not I would accept a blood transfusion if necessary, but they asked exactly that in so many words, without bringing up religion.

[Another Sky]

No. I used to go to the clinic, but it had never come up in conversation with my doctor. There is no checklist item on the medical questionnaire either.

I guess that in Japan it’s very unusual to be asked about it.

[Purple Red Panda]

I honestly don't recall ever having been asked.

[everywhere and nowhere]

P.S.

On 11/21/2022 at 3:25 PM, everywhere and nowhere said:

On the other hand, I generally avoid visiting doctors except my dentist - I treat all minor problems myself. But I've been to an orthopedist this year and nope, nobody asked about it.

...Even though the doctor actually should have asked - not really about religion, but about other factors. He prescribed me medication and I can't use it because it contains chondroitin - made from cartilage, and glucosamine - made from shellfish. I'm a vegetarian and I'm also sensitive to a lot of allergens - actually I'm not sure about shellfsh because I have simply never eaten them, I have always been extremely repulsed by seafood and lakefood - but, given their fame as a strong allergen, I wouldn't want to take the risk anyway.

I found a vegan alternative, although I haven't bought it yet due to constant money shortages. Now it's getting better... But anyway, I wish doctors asked about it and not assumed that everyone is carnivorous and/or that sticking to one's values even despite some medical problems is a "whim" which nobody has to respect...