ML63
(Member)
01/23/04 08:43 PM
Re: Requesting your medical records

Quote:

How difficult is it to get your medical records from your doctor? What are the kinds of reasons you give for requesting them, especially if you would like to continue your relationship with them.




It really isn't as difficult as you might think. It seems a daunting task at first, but it doesn't have to be. Yes, you have a legal right to your records, but I don't suggest throwing it in their face like that. With my situation, my PCP has the authority to demand I take a full physical with bloodwork and all and I could be dropped from my insurance if I don't comply. A red flag from my specialist back to my PCP could certainly bring that about. Obviously, I'd rather be the one to schedule my annual physical when I'm good and ready for it. All that said, call your doctor's office and tell them you're trying to get life insurance and that they need your records dating back two years. Start off by complaining to them what a pain it is that the insurance company is putting you through such a hassle. By doing so, you form a bond with the office folks in making the insurance company a common enemy. For a bit of humor I even threw in a sarcastic line about how I had to dig up my report card from 6th grade shop class. Stupid line, but it really helped break the ice. Doctors office workers hate insurance companies. I got what I needed in two days time and they even waived the usual charges! Yes, all that "acting" seems foolish but you must consider that doctors these days are fully aware of OP's and why patients call all of a sudden for records. A friend of mine who works in insurance told me that if it became known that I used an OP, my PCP would most likely discharge me as a patient and my insuance could be cancelled. The first time calling for my records I was very nervous, they sensed it, and I was put through the third degree. Lots of questions. Adding to it all, I was told that the doctor would want to speak to me in person before releasing them! I was scared out of my mind. I wasn't satisfied with my docs pain control and he knew it. I had decided that going the OP route was my best option but certainly didn't want to have my doctor drop me as a patient. He's a really terrific surgeon and has handled my surgeries to perfection. His only fault is believing that pain control is more a case of mind over matter. Luckily I had a friend who had gone through the whole records/OP thing and she clued me in. So I now have the best of both worlds. My OP helps with the relief I need and I still have my specialist to perform the next procedure in ridding my knee of all those nasty bone chips. BTW, getting your records is very much worth it. That way you'll be able to deal with a legitimate OP and you won't get ripped off by the no records criminals who'll charge you three or four times as much for the same meds. Good luck!



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