Porter Medical Associates

I felt Dr. Porter's staff was extremely polite in answering all of my questions, and explaining whatever I didn't understand. My only complaint was the time having to wait beyond the time of my appointment.

Dr. Rudd of Babcock medical Associates' office demanded I provide my SS# even though it is not required for payment by Insurance company. After waiting 4 weeks for a "new patient" appointment with Dr. Rudd, I arrived on time and with paperwork complete. Staff requested my SS#. I explained that for identity security I only provide the last 4 digits for identification purposes. They persisted to demand the entire SS#. When I asked why it was needed they said it was so that they could be paid by the insurance company. I know as a fact (and have since re-verified) that my insurance company does not require, much less even ask for the SS# of the patient to process any payments or claims. All records are kept by group #, and I.D. # and birth dates. Office staff remained obstinate to the point of calling both the insurance company and my wife in an attempt to obtain my social security number... neither of which gave it to them. (Additionally, the office had already on the day previous, verified my coverage with the insurance company, and even called me to tell me so, and what co-pay I would be expected to make at the time of my visit). I again protested, wondering for what nefarious purpose they demanded my personal identification numbers with Social Security. Dr. Rudd finally interjected herself asking quite condescendingly; "What part of we need your SS# to get paid do you not get?"... In the end when I insisted to my right of privacy, I was thrown out of the office by Dr. Rudd. My biggest concern is for the blatant disrespect of a patients confidentiality that was arrogantly on display in this office today. One can only wonder what other odious misuse of personal information takes place in this office.