RZR
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20953
posted
Can I legally get my own medical records from my former PCP office? The chart would be thick, since I have been a patient for 10+ years. Do offices normally charge a fee for this?
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
Jennie When I moved from NJ to Florida, I asked for copies of everything. There was at least 20 years worth of records. They charged me $30.00.
Yes, you have a legal right to all your medical records and I suggest, in the future, everytime you have a test done ask for a copy. They normally will not charge for this but every office is different.
I even got copies of bone scans, mamo records, MRI's and CAT Scans. I believe they charged a small fee like $10.00 when I had the scan's done.
You probably will have to sign a request or release form.
Posts: 671 | From Fort Myers, Florida | Registered: Jun 2009
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
I am absolutely meticulous about getting my records. It's important.
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
Agreed! You MUST ask for every test result and keep them meticulously. I've never been charged for this. It's important for you to see the results and to have them for other doctors, etc.
You do have a legal right to get all of your records, including the doctor's notes. They do have a right to charge you $.75 per page (in my state), which is a lot! Not every office will charge.
The other issue is that doctors only have to keep records for 7 years (it may vary by state). Some may keep them longer in storage. So get them before it becomes too long.
Posts: 3771 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
RZR
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20953
posted
I plan on taking the records to another PCP myself. If I take off the letter that "officially ditched me" is this legal? Can my new PCP get a copy another way?
I just don't feel like the letter was fair and makes me look like a "red-flag" patient. I wish I had just simply left the clinic and found another PCP without asking to be transferred. That is the only reason my PCP got ****ed and did a letter. Wish I had known what a jerk she could be a long time ago before I paid her thousands of dollars over the years!
This has really upset me and I am having a difficult time letting it go.
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
Most doctors ask that we sign a form releasing our medical records to them. If you supply them with your records, perhaps they won't feel the need to ask your previous doctor for records.
You can omit signature of the form but that might send up red flags. The form usually allows them to get records from anyone regarding your medical history so they may want it even if you bring in your recent records.
Be sure to get chart notes from your previous doctor. You are free to include or exclude anything you want from your records to your new doctor.
I'd be upset too! Try not to take her behavior personally. Doctors want someone who won't question or disagree with them. Most doctors are not used to having someone who challenges their authority and knowledge. You will be better off with a different doctor who can accept your need to be more active in your care. They are out there, it just takes time to find them and maybe some travel.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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RZR
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20953
posted
Thank you, Terry. Glad to hear you would be upset too. This has truly sent me into a deep depression. I am really mad at myself for letting it upset me so much.
I called the office today and can get my records for a charge of $20.00 I don't mind paying that just to see what my chart says. I bet the PCP did not chart that I asked to be transferred to the other doc before she decided that she can no longer serve as my physician!
Thanks for letting me vent, Jen
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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