jckrell
Stranger
Reged: 07/19/03
Posts: 1
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Can anyone give me some information on obtaining your medical records? I called my doctor today and was first told that I could not get my records myself and that I would need to go to another doctor and have the other doctors office send them a request. I then asked why I could not get my records, after all they are my records. The person I talked to was evidently the receptionist and
she really didn't know and told me that's what she was told to tell me. After thinking about this for a bit I got angry and called back and said that it did not make any sense and that I should be able to get my own records. Then she said she would switch me to the nurse. The nurse came on the line and said the same thing. I would have to go to the other dr. and have them send a request. I explained that I wanted my records myself and she then told me that I would have to set up an appt. and come in and meet with the dr. and office manager and go over the records. I told her I had never heard of this and she said it was due to a new law that was passed on Sept. 1. She named the law but I cannot remember what she called it. I have looked thru many posts and have not seen anything like this. Does anyone know anything about this or is my drs. office lying to me?
Any info will be greatly appreciated.
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PAIDFO
Member
Reged: 02/01/03
Posts: 148
Loc: southeast
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Those are"your records"! Sounds like someone is jerking you around.The new law didn't stop me from getting my records.I even got a copy from my dentist just last week.I would call back and make the appt and make sure they know since the Dr is gonna have the nurse and office mgr there,I would be bringing my lawyer and his assistant(just kidding).Unless I'm wrong I think they can charge you a copy fee,but can't deny you something that is yours.Maybe a visit or call to the office mgr would be in order.The law is called HIPAA.Do a search on that.Good Luck....
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"The difference between Ordinary and Extraordinary is the Little Extra"
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dlerew1
Stranger
Reged: 08/25/03
Posts: 9
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This is just a thought for all of you trying to obtain medical records. The Medical Information Board States that everyone has a right to their medical history. the website is www.mib.com for a cost of $9.00 you can obtain the medical information on you in the database. This information is the same information used for insurance companies. You can go to the consumer page and download a request form. Maybe this will help?
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Greycie
Old Hand
Reged: 07/08/03
Posts: 461
Loc: Pacific NorthWest
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Sorry- not trying to be anal or anything, but it's HIPAA (2 A's- the privacy accountability act). Just thought that would be helpful in doing your research.
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"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
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Greycie
Old Hand
Reged: 07/08/03
Posts: 461
Loc: Pacific NorthWest
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P.S.- if your nurse was referring to the HIPAA law, then she misunderstood it- so much so that she didn't realize she couldn't have another doctor request that information without your having signed a very specific authorization to release said info. However, sounds to me she might be referring to something else- what state are you in? This is no Federal law I've heard of- but! HIPAA was in effect prior to Sept. 1st- so perhaps that's not the law she was referring to- still- they do seem to contradict one another, no?
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"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
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EMJ
Old Hand
Reged: 12/20/01
Posts: 471
Loc: Southeast US
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One call to the docs office is all it should take. They cannot keep you from obtaining your own records. They belong to you. All I do is call the receptionist, request a copy of my last check-up and I go pick them up. I have a great doctor, even though he doesn't believe in prescribing pain medication, but he's wonderful in every other way. They don't even charge me for the copies. There should never be a law stopping us from obtaining records that belong to us, but this good ole USA just seems to keep on surprising us don't they? You should be treated fairly and are entitled to things that are rightfully yours. Maybe this nurse is "mis-informed". Good luck and I hope you are able to get your records. EMJ
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I'm on the move to get past "Old Hand"
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moonrayz
Stranger
Reged: 09/24/03
Posts: 18
Loc: Washington State
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You absolutely have the right to obtain your medical records from any source. You may have to pay for the copies, that's it. I've obtained records from my primary doctor, mental health clinic and my dentist. Nothing has changed since Sept. 1st on this. Anyone who tries to make it difficult for you to obtain what is legally, rightfully yours, either misunderstands the law, is just plain lazy or possibly they just don't like you (LOL). Don't give up. Let 'em know you know your legal rights. Be polite, but firm. 
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dsack
Veteran
Reged: 01/20/02
Posts: 527
Loc: midwest
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When I requested mine, the receptionist asked me why I wanted them. When she asked this, I felt like saying "what's it to ya, just send 'em", but I knew this wouldn't expediate the process, so I told her it was for my new insurance company. They either needed me to sign a release, or request them myself and this way was quicker and cheaper for me.
I had to pay around $6-$7 for the copying and mailing fees, but I got them in about a week. The reason I gave her was complete bunk, but, it's none of her business anyways, and it worked.
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Jeremiah
Agape GrandParent
Reged: 07/14/02
Posts: 705
Loc: U.S.A.
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If you check out our new LINKS forum in the menu,there is a lot of information regarding your legal rights for your medical records.Yes,you can get them.
J.
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I can't see me lovin nobody but you,for all my life
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MWouk
Journeyman
Reged: 08/28/03
Posts: 82
Loc: Up & Down I - 95
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Honestly, those records are yours, and you are paying the doctor to take the notes and store the records for you-- that's the way I look at it. Please don't be intimidated by haughty office personnel. Also it might be a bit of a wrestling match to get them the first time, but you can do it. I am not up on the new privacy act, but my doctor is great about having the records ready for me to pick up. I probably would not go to him if he did not help in this way, since his policy is to not prescribe heavy pain med either. He sends patients to a pain specialist instead.
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MWouk
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IMSUSCOT1
Threadhead
Reged: 10/23/02
Posts: 869
Loc: usa
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Call and ask to speak with the HIPAA security officer.(at the doctors office...their requied to have someone in their office designated the HIPAA Security Officer and Privacy Officer..and that person is required to be well versed in HIPAA compliance)..advise the security officer you would like to obtain a complete copy of your records...you are required to pay reasonable printing costs & staff time for photocopying...usually regulated by state law....in my state it's 10cents/page plus $10.00/hour .... The security officer is required to be familiar with HIPAA Guidelines and if she refuses, ask for the offices privacy practices...I assure you, they bought the same reproduced HIPAA manual every other office in America bought...and it's in there...it will tell you how to get your records...then highlight it & take it in & SHOW THEM! Good luck, geez, could this stuff get any harder?
Edited by IMSUSCOT1 (10/14/03 06:49 PM)
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