Stop the Party

Remember that thing I mentioned about the Lifeline Emergency Quick Response Program? Well, I received their membership form by mail recently. I should be happy, right? SHOULD...

But now I realize that...

I may just have celebrated too soon.

Again, I saw the envelope as soon as I got home from work, and of course, I knew what it was supposed to be. So even before I changed from my work clothes, I sat down and took the form out, eager to see how easy it would be. And then my excitement died down.

Basically there were just ten groups of questions I needed to answer. Not too bad really. Let me take you through it.

10. Basic Information? Name; Date of birth; Gender; Civil Status. Expected.

9. Permanent Address? Complete address; Phone, fax and mobile numbers; E-mail address. Cool.

8. Employment? Company name; Designation; Complete address; Phone, fax and mobile numbers; E-mail address. Okay.

7. Hospital? Hospital name; Attending Physician; Complete address. I admit, I gave this some thought... Nothing wrong with naming the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Dra. Ditangco as my preferred hospital and physician, right?

6. History of Past Diseases? None.

5. Previous Operations? None... unless circumcisions count.

4. Allergies? None.

3. Family Diseases? Hmm, my dad had it all... Diabetes, Heart disease, Cancer.

2. Habits? Smoking; Alcohol; Drugs. No, yes, and no.

It was easier than I expected... until...

1. Present Illnesses and Medications? O.M.G....

Okay, I told myself not to panic. I needed to calm down. Putting down Syphilis wouldn’t be so bad. Listing Hepatitis B could actually explain my Lamivudine and Tenofovir medications. But HIV? Should I tell them I have HIV?

Somehow, reading that All information contained herein will be confidential just wasn’t enough. Can I actually withhold that information?

I hereby certify the truth of all representation made in this application, and acknowledge that the Lifeline service agreement may otherwise be invalidated with costs chargeable to me. Okay, that’s a huge risk.

I further authorize any physician, clinic or hospital where I have been treated to disclose and provide the company with the medical, dental or clinic findings relative to the medical representative above. Geesh, so they’ll find out eventually? There goes that option.

Please fill out the form at your earliest convenience, as it will provide us with accurate and pertinent information regarding your medical history and will greatly facilitate your efficient care. Hmm, admittedly, that’s a good reason to disclose.

Well, if they ever happen to fail on their provision of service just because of my having HIV, I can always cite the clause in their website that says No exclusion for pre-existing conditions. Or I can take them to court for discrimination under R.A. 8504. Interesting. Stressful... and extremely paranoid of me... but interesting.

So after giving it some thought, I decided. Fine. A few more people will be added to my those-who-know list... and I won’t even know who exactly these people are. This will be another case of the-benefit-of-the-doubt.

Will I regret doing this? I don't know. But I'll do it. I'm going to be holding my breath. Celebration postponed until further notice.