Quick Guide: When Amazon Asks for Too Much Medical Information
Bottom Line: Amazon can only request specific, job-related medical information. They cannot demand your complete medical records or unrelated health information. You have the right to limit what you provide.
What Amazon CAN Legally Request
Only when your disability or need isn't obvious
- If your condition is clearly visible or previously documented, they may not need additional medical info
⠀ Specific, limited information about:
- How your condition affects major life activities (walking, sitting, concentrating, etc.)
- What job functions are difficult because of your condition
- Why the specific accommodation you requested would help
- How long you'll need the accommodation
- Functional limitations related to work tasks
⠀What Amazon CANNOT Legally Request
Complete medical records or files Unrelated medical conditions or history Specific diagnosis names (unless directly relevant) Treatment details or medications Genetic information Information about family medical history Prognosis or long-term medical outlook (unless relevant to accommodation duration)
Red Flags - Inappropriate Requests
Push back if Amazon asks for:
- "All medical records from the past 5 years"
- Complete psychological evaluations for physical accommodations
- Information about conditions unrelated to your accommodation request
- Details about your treatment or therapy
- Independent medical examinations when you've provided sufficient documentation
- Family medical history or genetic testing
⠀How to Respond to Excessive Requests
1. Ask for clarification in writing
- "Can you specify exactly what medical information you need and how it relates to my accommodation request?"
- "Please explain why this specific information is necessary for the interactive process."
⠀2. Work with your healthcare provider
- Give them a copy of your job description
- Ask them to focus only on work-related limitations
- Request they avoid unnecessary medical details
- Have them explain why your requested accommodation addresses workplace barriers
⠀3. Provide targeted documentation
- Focus on functional limitations, not diagnoses
- Explain how your condition affects specific work tasks
- Connect your limitations directly to the accommodation you're requesting
- Avoid providing more information than necessary
⠀Sample Response to Excessive Requests
Subject: Clarification Needed - Medical Documentation Request
"I received your request for medical documentation dated [date]. To ensure I provide appropriate information while protecting my medical privacy, I need clarification on several points:
1 Can you specify exactly what medical information you need that relates to my accommodation request for [specific accommodation]?
2 How does [specific request, like 'complete medical records'] relate to determining whether my requested accommodation is reasonable?
3 Can you explain why the medical documentation I already provided on [date] is insufficient for the interactive process?
⠀I'm committed to providing information necessary for the accommodation process while maintaining appropriate medical privacy. I look forward to your clarification so we can move forward efficiently.
Thank you, [Your name]"
What Your Doctor Should Include
Focus on functional limitations:
- "Employee has difficulty [specific function] due to medical condition"
- "Requested accommodation of [specific accommodation] would address workplace barriers by [explanation]"
- "Accommodation is medically necessary for employee to perform essential job functions"
- "Expected duration of accommodation need: [timeframe]"
⠀Avoid including:
- Detailed medical history
- Specific diagnosis codes
- Treatment plans or medications
- Prognosis details
- Unrelated medical conditions
⠀Your Rights During This Process
You can limit medical information to what's legally required You can ask why specific information is needed You can refuse to provide excessive or unrelated medical details Your medical information must be kept confidential and separate from personnel files You can work with your doctor to provide focused documentation
When to Get Help
Contact legal assistance if Amazon:
- Demands complete medical records
- Refuses to accept reasonable medical documentation
- Asks for information clearly unrelated to your accommodation
- Shares your medical information inappropriately
- Delays the process while demanding excessive documentation
- Threatens denial if you don't provide inappropriate information
⠀Documentation Tips
Keep records of:
- All requests for medical information (get them in writing)
- What information you provided and when
- Any inappropriate requests for excessive information
- Communications about why specific information is needed
- Delays caused by medical documentation disputes
⠀Remember Your Limits
- You don't have to provide a specific diagnosis unless directly relevant
- You can object to fishing expeditions for unrelated medical information
- The focus should be on functional limitations, not medical details
- Amazon must justify why they need specific information
- You have the right to medical privacy even during accommodation processes
⠀Quick Contact List
- EEOC: 1-800-669-4000 or eeoc.gov
- Find your state's disability rights organization: disabilityrightsus.org
⠀Remember: The accommodation process should focus on workplace solutions, not fishing expeditions into your medical history. You have the right to keep medical information private while still getting the accommodations you need.