Hi, My primary doc...

Hi, My primary doctor has closed up shop without letting patients know. I can't get in contact with him and hence have no way to get my records from his office. My insurance has been informed and has said to write them a letter detailing what is going on to keep in my file until my July consult with the WLS doctor. any other ideas??? Thanks

Hi Mary, I could be wrong, but I believe it's a law that you have to keep records for 7 years before you can destroy them. Your doc must have them or he can get into big trouble. Contact your state insurance comission and see if they can help finding him. Keep all your attempts at finding him documented, this will come in handy if you can't find him. Try your healthcare comission too. Best of luck. Cindy

Under the newly implemented provisions of HIPAA your physician has to provide you with your records. Unfortunately if he just closed up shop he may have other issues- legal and professional that makes your issue small potatoes. You may have to retain a lawyer to obtain your records. Find out if his records transferred to another office. Sometimes they will go to another location within the HMO or doctor's assoc. Also- just call the guy at home. Call former employees you may know by name. Check with your town's clerk for tax records- who owns the office, who leases- this is public record. Check your newspaper for a public notice of 'new doctor taking over Dr. XXX practice'. Hope this helps- Time is of the essence if he is in trouble with someone- be agressive in obtaining help. Hope this helps. But.....Don't assume this guy is hiding from you. Years ago I called my optomitrist to demand an appointment. They hadn't answered my calls! I got the guy's widow. Boy- did I feel like a horse's rear.