Question:
We can't look at our own medical records??
We can't look at our own medical records?? I had previously asked about getting copies of our medical records. I found out that most doctors charge to cover their clerical costs. I could certainly understand that. SO I went to the doctor's office,pen and notebook in hand. I wanted to do my own research and copy down my weight, diag and meds for the past 12 months. I was told they couldn't allow me to do that. In my innocence, I guess, I thought I would save them the time and energy and do it myself. But apparantly there is a law or policy against that. Any idea if there is a way around this so that I can view my own records. It's information about me, isn't it? — Lily C. (posted on June 24, 2002)
June 24, 2002
Lily, your records really are your own, but there are a lot of docs who get
nervous when people try to take the records from their offices. I am a
military dependent, and my records are always "lost" because they
are portable. However, after going to a civilian many times, I found that
you CAN get your records...have you asked for just a Xerox copy of them???
— Suzanne S.
June 24, 2002
You most certainly can have copies of your own records! I dont think most
Dr's will allow U to sit in the office an brouse but you can get copies.
(for a fee) Just ask.
— Sassy M.
June 24, 2002
Copies should be pretty cheap. They dont want you sitting there cluttering
up their office perhaps hearing something confidential about another
patient. If they let one person do this more would follow. Offices are only
so big, and someone might take a paper, that thewy could need later.
Besides you could have questions, and they take time to answer.... Better
and safer to get the copies, shuld be under $20
— bob-haller
June 24, 2002
Tell your doctors office that by law you own your medical records. If they
would like an additional copy for their files that is their responsibility.
— Linda A.
June 24, 2002
Almost all Dr's charge if you want the records released to you. If you are
just getting them for your surgeon then they will usually transfer them to
the other Dr. for free. I personally wanted my records and therefor had to
pay for them. One of them contained about 10 years worth of records about
100 pages and cost me $98.00 (from Kaiser) but I made a copy of them once I
received so I will never have to ask for them again and can give one to any
Dr. that needs it. Most places charge like $12.00 for the 1st 10 pages and
then a fee for each page after that which differs greatly. It's a small
price to pay to be able to have the info necessary to get your surgery.
Also contrary(sp) to popular belief the medical records belong to the Dr.
This is a transcript pulled from the American Medical Association. "We
believe that the physical record and notes made in treating the patient
belong to the physician."
— Heather ..
June 24, 2002
By law doctors are required to preserve the integrity of the medical
records in their care. That's why they make you sign a release when you
get yours. When I had my records transferred to the insurance company for
the approval process, I found out that most doctors in our area (VA) use
scanning services where they hire a company that comes in and scans the
records so that they never leave the doctor's office. Then the company
does the printing and mailing. The record never leaves the doctor's office
by this method and integrity can be preserved. Also factor in the charges
for this as well as office time to get it done. Folks don't want to work
for free any more, so be prepared to pay for copies of your records.
— Cathy S.
June 24, 2002
I just wanted to clarify my question. I have NO PROBLEM paying for copies.
But I didn't want all those copies. I just wanted to read my records and
get some information. They objected to letting me sit there and read them.
Thanks for your help! You are the best.
— Lily C.
June 24, 2002
By law...Your medical records are yours....you may have to pay for a copy
but you should be allowed to see them at any time. Get an attorney this
should grease the wheels a little. One letter usually does it. My doctor
I have now allows me to see mine anytime. They should have nothing to
hide.
— Oldsoul
June 24, 2002
I was shocked to read your messege that you weren't allowed to review your
own records.I work in medical records and have for over 12 yrs,and have
never heard of that before.I can understand if you wanted copies made that
they may charge you,some do and some don't.But as far as what we are
allowed to do,we are there to only protect the record itself(hospital
property)but if anyone comes in to look at their own medical records,we
just ask for I.D. and have them sit in plain site while they review them.I
think if I was in your shoes,I would ask to talk to the director of that
dept and ask to see their policy.I'm not saying that it's not possible,but
sure doesn't seem right to me.Good luck.....
— kim M.
June 24, 2002
I have worked in a Dr's office. The medical records themselves belong to
the Doctor, clinic, hospital etc. The Information belongs to the patient.
You have every right to copies of your medical records. The clinic,
hospital etc can request that you pay for those copies, but the law
(federal law) states the information is ours (the patient). I would suggest
that you point this out to the office when you go back and request those
copies again!! Good luck and don't take No for an answer!!
— Cindy K.
June 25, 2002
Like Cindy said, don't take NO for an answer! The records themselves belong
to the doctor, but the INFORMATION YOU have a right to-even if you have to
pay for it. When I requested my medical records, I had a nurse friend to
order then for me from one doctor's office. Then I ordered some others on
my own and said that I was contemplating having some "life-sustaining
surgery" in another state and I hadn't made up my mind which doctor
I'd be seeing. Be "creative" AND PERSISTENT!!
— yourdivaness
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