First, I can't believe how things have degenerated in such a short time. I'm not very happy. Second: the next person who utters something even *vaguely* anti-homosexual or anti-HIV (rather, judgemental about the acquisition of HIV) will be booted, PERMANENTLY. I don't care how small an infraction you think it is - comments like I have seen are completely inappropriate for this forum. Third: as a representative of a company that has been tracking immunization/medical data for a lot longer than the majority of computer companies out there (16 years and going), let me say this: Unless you are the IRS, using Social Security numbers for identification purposes is a **BAD** idea. Anyone who is willing to do the least bit of investigation and learn about the science of social databases should agree that the key to unlock your Blockbuster Video movie history should not be the key to unlock your prescription list, W-2 history, insurance records, grocery habits, etc. Unfortunately, many of the third-parties we've worked with (especially the immunization registries) use the SS# of the children, parents, and even doctor! There are hundreds of documented examples of why SS# make bad identifiers, though one of the best ones I saw was in Money magazine last year - they had a good medical example. I have had personal experience with this issue in addition to what I have learned on the job. I'll spare the details. I am not paranoid, I am practical. If anyone wants more information - especially to help fight some of the creepy issues involved with the immunization registries - I'll be glad to chat about it _off line_. Thank you. - The PedTalk List Owner -- Chip Hart * chip @ pcc.com Physicians's Computer Company * http://www.pcc.com/~chip 15 Pinecrest Drive * Work:800-722-7708 Essex Junction, VT 05452 * Fax: 802-872-8214