@alive I think maintaining medical privacy in the workplace is a good idea. You don't need to tell them why you are requesting a day off. Don't feel you need to explain, and ask for time off early enough that you have ample time for scheduling changes with your medical providers. If your employer is paying your health insurance, it is possible that they are self funded which means your employer directly pays the bills but would not know what it was for. If they deem you to be an "expensive" employee, it may lead to discrimination in your employment opportunities because a company puts profits at the top of the priority list. HIPPA rules are in effect for a reason, and your employer should not expect you to tell them your medical information as long as you can do your job and do not need an accommodation from your employer to do the job. Even sharing information with co-workers can get back to your boss as people repeat what they've heard. Don't let your supervisor intimidate you. Be confident in the way you ask for time off and make sure your body language is also confident. It isn't her business, so just smile and say, yes, it's just routine and not to worry. Don't explain. She isn't just worried about you, she's worried about protecting the company from expense, and she's also being judged on her performance in her job.