DEAR DR. GOTT: I was wondering, after years of seeing my general practitioner, why he changed his policy to now demand my driver's license number for his files. I feel this is an invasion of my privacy.

With that last bit of information, I am now not in charge of the protection of my privacy. He is subject to office break-ins, unhappy employees, theft, loss of disks or whatever forms the information is stored on to hackers. Why do they need anything more than an address and Social Security number?

DEAR READER: Sadly, people assume false identities for a variety of reasons, a common practice in the medical profession. People without health insurance assume the names and insurance numbers of another. Until a person gets caught, this allows him or her to feel important, visit medical centers, and receive testing and services without paying one penny. I've yet to determine why anyone would want to appear to take on the medical issues of another, but it happens. I feel I have enough issues of my own; I certainly don't need those of others. I guess there's always the chance someone could obtain drugs for personal use or to be sold on the street for profit. He or she likely never considers the fact that a medication might have a severe adverse effect or could interact with other drugs. The practice is dangerous and outright stupid. The implications and complications are overwhelming.

It is sometimes said that going to a large medical facility is like taking a number at the deli counter of your local supermarket. If you are shuttled along without someone making sure that you are you, problems can occur. You can receive incorrect medication, be treated for a condition you don't have, or be given an incorrect diagnosis. If your chart contains photo identification, whether it's your driver's license or some other form of photo ID, the likelihood of this is lessened. The practice protects your physician, but, more importantly, it protects you. It's actually in your best interests to provide a copy for your physician's records. While he may have known you for many years, it is difficult to let some charts slide without photo ID and demand it only of new patients. The simplest way is to set a hard rule across-the-board.

Without offering my likely explanation, ask for the reason on your next visit to his office. I could be way off base. Then you can make a determination whether or not to protect this last bit of privacy or find another physician, unless you have already provided him your number. You already trust him with your life. I guess you can simply hope his records will not be stolen or misused.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Choosing a Physician." Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website at www.AskDrGottMD.com.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 51-year-old female. I have a yellowish film on my tongue. I use a tongue cleaner along with a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner twice each day. What works best is scraping it with a toothpick. The film looks like cottage cheese. Please help me.

DEAR READER: There are several reasons for the tongue to turn yellow. Tobacco use, some medications, the ingestion of certain foods, geographic tongue (discolored regions of taste buds), yeast infection and bacteria on the tongue are a few reasons.

Speak with your dentist, and practice good oral hygiene. Continue to brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. Use warm water and salt gargles once or twice a day. Then make an appointment with your physician to determine whether any medications you might be on could cause the problem. Knowing the cause for the unpleasant condition will help you deal with it better, and you will have a good idea how to keep it under control.