Health Insurance Drug Testing HIPAA

Crossposted in r/insurance but figured I may get more accurate information here.

Hi folks. I went to a music festival this weekend, got a bit dehydrated, and now fear I have a kidney infection.

My insurance company will not cover my care if it is determined to be the result of illicit drug use. While I did use a bunch of drugs, most would be out of my system soon, but I did use a benzo to fall asleep, and they stay in your urine for weeks.

My plan is to go to urgent care rather than the ER, and if they order a lab, ask them to disclose all tests that will be performed. If they say a drug test, can I insist that they either exclude the test from the lab request or, if not, can I insist that they restrict release of the results from my insurance company? What are my rights here? I don’t want to risk potential organ damage, but I really can’t afford it if it’s not covered.

For reference, I am on an anthem PPO plan and live in California.

Thanks in advance!!

submitted by /u/RowanOakTree
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