need some input Guys DX you out there

in last weeks show I decided it was time for a new PCP and to start the "process" over with a more WLS friendly Dr. I ordered my medical records dating back to April of last year, it took them 2 weeks to get them together. As I was going through them I noticed the referrals and Psyche Eval were missing. I called and asked why their answer was its a seperate request form and it gets reviewd by the PCP and he has the option to release them or not. I thought they were my records and I had a legal right to them. I seem to remeber DX mentioning this in the past.  Is this not true ? is there a specific law or case that I can mention to let them know I know what my rights are.  thanx again guys

nevermind, after much research adna  few phone calls I have found and printed the info.  FYI- CA state Health and Safety Code 123110B state they HAVE to release it they have 15 days and can charge no more tha .25 cents per page. gotta run, going to visit the Dr office before he skips out for the weekend.going to be fun to watch his squirm after I hand him the documents for the states website.

Hey dude.....I know you got yoru answer, but there is something that yo may need to know in the future..... when you ask for you records, they have to give you what is in the chart, every peice of paper in your chart needs to be reviewed my the doc, some even initial everypage to prove that they look at them... now here is the catch.....some doc my be on top of things, but don't so the official paper signed for several months.....they generally set aside a whole day, and so nothing but sign those papers.....so I would bet that, the doc hasn;t signed you paper yet.....(they tend to procrastenate)....I know that this dosen't make things go faster for you, but a lot of office staff, present this wrong..... maybe this will help Russ

I walked in presented them with a copy of the state law and a copy of the original request. Told them what was missing and that I needed it. they tried to tll me the Dr that I am going has to request it. When I reffered them to the stae law that handed them they got everything I needed while I waited for it. I actually offered to come back on Monday or Tuesday, they thought it best to gather right then and there. Sadly the people in the recorde department had no idea what the law said, I left them the copy I printed. glad I am done with them. Now to find a PCP that has some knowledge of WLS.

Hey man, GREAT job on advocating for yourself.  It's a shame that medical records personnel aren't better informed.  I work in healthcare, and know the sad truth - if you don't advocate for yourself, you are likely to get screwed over. For anyone else wondering about this - there are federal laws that protect your PHI (Personal Health Information), and ensure you're right to have access to your own records.  The federal law is referred to as HIPPA, and all medical professionals (including pharmacy) require that the patient sign a HIPPA consent, and they must offer you a copy of the HIPPA regulations.    Anyone wanting more information on this can refer to the Health and Human Services website: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/ Again - congrats on being such a great advocate for yourself, and I hope your journey gets easier from this point on.   And, if you hit another bump, it sounds like you're the type of person to stick up for yourself and get things done!!!!!!!!!!   You will definitely be successful in your weight-loss journey with such a great attitude.    Best of luck with everything, Chuck