Last week I suggested that the social disclosure of health issues could create future problems. I never considered, however, that a patient’s social media trail could be used to corroborate need for disability or special services.

That’s what happened last week when a Quebec woman on sick leave for depression lost her benefits over Facebook photos that were judged inconsistent with her claim. You can read more about it here.

While I know nothing of this woman’s medical history or her claims, it’s safe to assume that a patient’s level of impairment can’t be established from a couple of Polaroids. But perception trumps reality.

It’s interesting that while your personal health footprint can create problems, telling what you’re doing can potentially create an entirely different set of questions about what you don’t have.

If nothing else, this story represents a first for patients, insurance companies and social media. Look for industry to begin exploring social platforms as a tool for the validation of health and disability claims.

h/t to e-patient.net