Peter W. Sachs, Esq.
                           Attorney-at-Law
                           XXX XXXXXX XXXX
                          Orange, CT, 06477
                           (203) XXX-XXXX


November 21, 2002

Dr. XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX, CT 06XXX

VIA FACSIMILE: (203) XXX-XXXX


Dear Dr. XXXXXXX:

My personal physician referred me to your office to have a finger injury
examined and treated.  My appointment was scheduled for today, Thursday,
November 21, 2002 at 10:00 am.  When I arrived for that appointment, I was
handed the standard new patient information form to complete.  

While I was completing that form, the gentleman in the reception booth asked
me to provide him with information that he was entering into his computer. 
When he asked me for my Social Security Number, I informed him that I do not
supply that information, but that I would gladly provide my Connecticut
Driver's License number instead.
	
The gentleman told me that my Social Security Number was a required item. 
When I informed him that the law does not require me to provide this
information, he said "you're wrong," and that if I did not provide my Social
Security Number, the doctor would not see me.  I told him again that I would
not provide my Social Security Number.  He said, "Then the Doctor will not
see you," and deleted my record on his computer.

What I did not tell this gentleman was that I am an attorney, quite
well-versed in this area of the law.  Although medical providers are not
prohibited by State or Federal law from requesting a patient's Social
Security Number, a patient is not legally required to provide it.  Until
now, I have never had an instance where a medical provider was unwilling to
accept my Connecticut Driver's License number instead of my Social Security
Number.

Other than for "identification number" purposes, there is no other reason
that I can think of for your office needing my Social Security Number.  I
was not applying for credit.  I was not applying for employment.  I was
seeking medical treatment from a physician.  No State or Federal law
requires you to use a Social Security Number as an identification number. 
My Connecticut Driver's License number is just as unique as my Social
Security Number and would equally differentiate me from any other patient
that you may have.  

Moreover, the American Medical Association itself opposes the use of Social
Security Numbers as an identification number.  On May 6, 2002, the AMA
approved Resolution # H-190.963, which specifically states that the "AMA
policy is to discourage the use of Social Security Numbers to identify
insureds, patients, and physicians, except in those situations where the use
of these numbers is required by law and/or regulation."  Since, there is no
State or Federal law (or regulation) that required you to obtain my Social
Security Number, your office policy requiring me to provide it is in direct
contravention of the AMA's policy.

My personal physician had advised me to have my finger injury examined by a
specialist as soon as possible because any delay could result in a
permanent deformity.  As a result of your office policy, I am now forced to
seek another specialist, thereby further delaying my medical care and
increasing the chances of a permanent deformity.  

As you should well know, the very first affirmation of the oath you took to
become a physician is "above all, do no harm," not "above all, get a Social
Security Number."  Refusing medical treatment to patients, simply because
they assert their legal right to privacy is neither a good medical practice,
nor a good business practice.  I certainly hope this was simply a case of an
overzealous employee "following (an antiquated) office policy."

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the telephone
number listed above.

Sincerely,


Peter W. Sachs, Esq.