Getting a doctors letter for gym use! Not what I thought I needed in going to the gym.  I went in today to set up a membership at a local pool and gym.  I want to use the pool but not the gym. When I was given the information to sign up, usually you get a big document asking all your ailments.  This one only asked if I was on medication.  If yes, then I had to get a doctors letter to get a membership…

So, it gave me nowhere to put what meds I was on and why.  If I had been on very low meds for something minor would I still need the docs letter?  I had this before when I went to get a massage.  I had to ask the doc to sign me a letter to say I was okay.

The Liability Question

At which point has liability gone too far?  I am an adult wanting to use the facilities to swim.  I wear an SOS Talisman, I am sensible with my health what more is needed?

HA!  I phoned up for the letter from my doctor surgery. Only to be met with almost laughter at the ridiculous nature of the request. Eventually, they called me back.  A manager explained they called the gym and told them how ridiculous it was.  He told them they were wasting valuable time of the doctors on such a request.  They would not be getting one and that was the end of the discussion.

BOOM!

Going back in to the pool, I asked them if they were going to remove my membership. Given the doctor wouldn’t provide them with my health info but oh no! What, lose money! Don’t be daft… and that was the end of that! No letter required and here is your full membership.

There are many other times where I have been refused treatment.  That is unless I have a letter from my doctor.  I did get one years ago but they always want an up-to-date one.  So getting a massage or tattoo, is pretty much out of the question.  If insurance companies allow clients to sign a waiver prior to treatment.  Alternatively, come to an understanding to allow people like me on warfarin who still want to access services.

Have you found any issue with this?   What sort of services are you being refused due to insurance liabilities?