Uncaring Doctors

I am so sorry you are dealing with this.

Let me tell you how I have gotten around that same situation.

My husband used to be a consultant which meant that we moved every 3-4 years from state to state.

What I would do is create my own "Release of Patient Information" form, making sure that I asked for ALL records, including tests ordered and results of those tests, scans, surgeries, medical interventions, office visits, prescriptions ordered, the works. I made sure to include the specific doctors, labs, technicians, etc. that it was relevant to (separate one for each doctor) and asked for all the information to be mailed directly to my house.

Something many people don't realize is: Your medical records are your property. You have a right to see them ON DEMAND, no questions asked. You are allowed to request that those same records be sent - on demand - with a signed Release whereever you choose to have them sent to: your house, your doctor, etc.

At the bottom of the Patient Release Form that you create, make sure you include your attorney's name (i.e., CC: Allan Friedman, Attorney, CC: File Copy, CC: Dr. John Smith, etc.) I also make sure to note in the Release that these records are expected by a certain date and if they are not received by a certain date that I will make sure my attorney handles everything from that point forward. Also, call ahead and find out if there is a fee or charge to make copies or for sending your records and pay the fee with the Release of Information Form that you send them.

Good luck. I hope you are able to get your records quickly. I also agree it is nice to have your records electronically so the docs can just pull them up whenever they need them but that doesn't usually help you if you are moving out of state and are using different docs and insurance companies.

Teresa

palmyrafan said:

I am so sorry you are dealing with this.

Let me tell you how I have gotten around that same situation.

My husband used to be a consultant which meant that we moved every 3-4 years from state to state.

What I would do is create my own "Release of Patient Information" form, making sure that I asked for ALL records, including tests ordered and results of those tests, scans, surgeries, medical interventions, office visits, prescriptions ordered, the works. I made sure to include the specific doctors, labs, technicians, etc. that it was relevant to (separate one for each doctor) and asked for all the information to be mailed directly to my house.

Something many people don't realize is: Your medical records are your property. You have a right to see them ON DEMAND, no questions asked. You are allowed to request that those same records be sent - on demand - with a signed Release whereever you choose to have them sent to: your house, your doctor, etc.

At the bottom of the Patient Release Form that you create, make sure you include your attorney's name (i.e., CC: Allan Friedman, Attorney, CC: File Copy, CC: Dr. John Smith, etc.) I also make sure to note in the Release that these records are expected by a certain date and if they are not received by a certain date that I will make sure my attorney handles everything from that point forward. Also, call ahead and find out if there is a fee or charge to make copies or for sending your records and pay the fee with the Release of Information Form that you send them.

Good luck. I hope you are able to get your records quickly. I also agree it is nice to have your records electronically so the docs can just pull them up whenever they need them but that doesn't usually help you if you are moving out of state and are using different docs and insurance companies.

Teresa

medical recoards rights
Just to answer some peoples questions before they get into an argument with there doctors

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In 1996 the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed. Although from the name you would think it just deals with health insurance, this long, rather complicated law also addresses issues of privacy and rights to medical records. Tucked deep within the act, your individual right to your medical records is detailed:

You have the right to see your “chart” or medical records in your doctor’s office.
You have the right to a physical copy of your medical records.
You may be charged a reasonable cost-based fee for copying your records and postage if you request them to be mailed.
In most cases, the copy must be provided within 30 days. That time can be extended for another 30 days but you must be given a written statement explaining the reason for the delay and the date by which your records will be provided.
Under certain circumstances, there is some health information that your doctor may not be required to give you. If you are denied access to any part of your medical records, you must receive a written explanation of the basis for the denial and your rights to have the decision reviewed.
You have the right to request that any errors in your medical records be corrected or missing information added. If your doctor does not agree with your requested changes, you have the right to have your disagreement noted in your records.
Before you decide to assert your rights and spend your money for copies of your medical records, here are a few additional thoughts and tips to consider:
Most doctors will send your records to a new doctor with no charge as a professional courtesy.
When your doctor tells you the results of your lab work, ask for a copy of the report while you’re in the office. Often they’re happy to give you a copy at no cost.
If someone on your doctor’s staff tells you they’re not allowed to give you a copy of your records, usually politely asking them to review the HIPAA regulations will do the trick. (Give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they’re new and don’t know the law.)
If you find what you feel is an error in your records, only you can decide if it is a serious enough error to be worth insisting on a correction or addition.
While it can be a fair amount of work to gather and maintain a complete file of your medical records, there’s something to be said for making the effort. I have a good friend who has fibromyalgia as well as some other health challenges. She religiously obtains copies of all her medical records, tests and lab reports. She organizes them in a large notebook that she takes with her to every doctor she sees. On more than one occasion she has saved waiting time and the need for a second office visit by providing the doctor she was currently seeing with records another doctor had forgotten to send.
Ultimately, whether or not you want a copy of all of your medical records is completely up to you. Whatever your decision, at least you know your rights.

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http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/ <--- website for all the info