Does anyone know.......

I am in the process of trying to gather information for my consultation appointment. I went today to my previous doctor's office to sign a release for my medical record. (A little background - I had originally needed a physical quickly and so I was referred to this doctor because they would get me in quickly. They did get me in quickly and then I had liked the doctor well enough so I decided to continue there. Well, they called me regularly to say that I had an appt scheduled that I had not scheduled, wanted me to have all kinds of tests and so on. At first I thought they were just really thorough and then I figured out that they were really just out to bill, bill, bill. The doctor I was seeing left the practice and there was no way I was seeing one of the other docs so I told them I was no longer their pateint. They still continued to call saying I had appts that I never scheduled. I finally turned them into my insurance company because they told me I had to have a stress test because I was overweight and I smoked. I agreed to do the test. I later learned that they would have to have given me a diagnosis of some kind to get the stress test approved by my insurance and this could cause me problems later. Now, this is where I need to get my record from). They first tell me that they may or may not charge me $50 for my record, that it is up to the discretion of the office manager. Then I tell them that I want the record given to me so that I can take it with me to my appt. One of the doctor's tell me that they WILL NOT give my MY medical record. That if I tell them specificalyl what I want released they will release it only to another a physician. It tell them that they asked that I bring the info to the appt and not to have dr offices fax them any info until after the first appt. The Dr. tells me they will ABSOLUTELY NOT release my record to me and to leave them the name of the physician. Does anyone know if this is legal? Can they refuse to give ME MY medical record?? Or could this be the backlash from me complaining to my insurance company about them? I am guessing that this must just be THEIR policy because I left there and went to my old gyn office, filled out the release and told them what I needed and why. They said they would call me when it was ready to be picked up! That is the way it should be!! I would appreciate any info and any similar stories. Sorry this is so long!! Thanks and Have a great day! Stacey

Well - I am doing my research and so far all I have found is that due to House Bill 508 they can charge me quite a fee for the record but have not found anything saying they can refuse to give it to me. Still looking for this info.

Hi Stacey, I do not know the legal policies that doctors' offices must adhere to, but something sounds fishy about this particular office. I would go to the Ohio State Medical Board website and see if there are any guidelines as to what patients have to do to get their medical records released, or maybe file a complaint agaist this office. http://med.ohio.gov/ I know that when I went to one of my doctor's offices, the lady there tried to charge me $30 for my file. I called another of the office staff at home that day and she said they were to NEVER charge patients for the files. I went to the hospital to get my medical records, and had absolutely no problem there. It took about 15 minutes of waiting but no fee was involved. My husband is a dentist, and he never charges patients to make a copy of their medical records. It's a matter of waiting a few moments to have them copied. Be courteous but be firm, and go with knowledge to back you up! Good luck! Pamela

Yes, I agree something is definitely fishy. That is why I am trying to do my homework before I call them back in the morning. I know they can legally charge me and I am willing to pay for the record. I just need to get them to give it to me! Thanks for the great websight. Stacey

I wonder if Canton is considered NE Ohio??? I assume so. Anyway I did a search on google and came up with this website (on Acrobat so I can't copy it) which lists the protocols and fees offices may utilize: http://www.amcnoma.org/webpages/PracticeManagement/611084.pdf I'd copy it and take it with you! Pamela

Thank you so much!! You are my hero!! It gave me the Ohio Revisd Code # and so I looked up the actual Ohio Law and it says the only reason they can refuse is if the information will adversely affect me. Well, I know there is nothing in it that would hold true for that exception. I will be calling them first thing in the morning quoting the ORC and will be showing up with a printed copy in hand if they still insist on giving me a hard time. I do believe that most of their patients are on medicaid or medicare. I would guess they over billing them on a regular basis. I remember one time going in there and they had a sign up saying it would cost $50 for a prescription for an air conditioner. I asked someone in the waiting room what if they knew what that meant. HEAP was giving them to clients that had a medical need but needed a prescription for it. As said before - very fishy!!

Yay! You go girl!! All it takes is a woman with her mind set on getting some answers!! Knowledge prevails! Best of luck to you!! I'm sending you positive thoughts tomorrow morning, and wishing you SUCCESS!! As for this office, they need a rude awakening from the Ohio Medical Board. I imagine people like my grandmother going in there and getting taken. It makes me furious! Pamela