Re: Re:* Does this mean employers can easily access our health records?

[Guest guest]

Suppose the doctor tells you his notes arfe never given out that if a summary

report if required it will have to be dictated and there will be a secretary's

charge.

[] Re: Does this mean employers can easily access our

health records?

Elebel,

I really just make sure I get a copy of any lab work done, blood,

urine, etc. I don't try to get copy of doctor's notes or anything

unless it's from surgery and then those are very good to get, tells

what all was done in surgery and you will know much more than doctor

will tell you. When I get lab work done, I ask as soon as I register

that I'm there. I say I want a copy of lab work. Now since HIPPA

laws or whatever they are called, they make it harder to get. They

don't want patients to have them I think it is easier to see mistakes

made and used for lawsuits is my guess but anyway, the person who

should get them the easiest is YOU but new laws make it harder so my

determination is just more. As soon as I check in for blood work,

xrays etc, I say I want a copy of test results. Usually they say you

must get them from ordering doctor. That is what is new. They used

to be able to send you a copy at same time they sent results to

doctors, now they say ask your doctor, so as soon as I get home I call

and said I've taken them and want a copy. Usually they take my

request over the phone. If I'm at the doctor's office when he

prescribes tests for me, I ask while checking out. Just remember when

they ask if you have a copay or not, time to mention he is prescribing

(or took in his office tests) and say you want a copy then. Now they

usually have a form you have to fill out...if that isn't ever

ridiculous!!! Any doctor can get them with initial papers you sign as

new patient but you have to sign a form 'giving permission for them to

give YOU copies each time you request them'!!!! So say Dr Gets-it-

wrong-everytime has prescribed blood tests for me and I would like a

copy when he gets the results. They will hand you a short form where

it say I give Dr Gets-it-wrong-everytime permission to send ___________

(write in your own name) a copy of my results. It just takes a few

seconds.

Barb

> How do you get a copy of your health records.

> Would I ask for a copy up to date (15yrs would make a lot of

printing)

> Then after that do you ask for a copy of the visit or test result at

> each visit?

> Elie

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[Guest guest]

I don't know where you are, Ken, but last I heard, you own your records. You

paid for them. Insurers demand (and get) those notes every day of the week. I've

gotten mine, and I keep on getting them. I've burned copies, and carry a copy to

every new physician so they don't keep repeating the same tests. The only

difference is, I don't work through hospitals. Just private physician's offices.

I've had to get noisy about it once or twice, but it worked!

" kengib . " <jkg4902@...> wrote:Suppose the doctor tells you his notes

arfe never given out that if a summary report if required it will have to be

dictated and there will be a secretary's charge.

[] Re: Does this mean employers can easily access our

health records?

Elebel,

I really just make sure I get a copy of any lab work done, blood,

urine, etc. I don't try to get copy of doctor's notes or anything

unless it's from surgery and then those are very good to get, tells

what all was done in surgery and you will know much more than doctor

will tell you. When I get lab work done, I ask as soon as I register

that I'm there. I say I want a copy of lab work. Now since HIPPA

laws or whatever they are called, they make it harder to get. They

don't want patients to have them I think it is easier to see mistakes

made and used for lawsuits is my guess but anyway, the person who

should get them the easiest is YOU but new laws make it harder so my

determination is just more. As soon as I check in for blood work,

xrays etc, I say I want a copy of test results. Usually they say you

must get them from ordering doctor. That is what is new. They used

to be able to send you a copy at same time they sent results to

doctors, now they say ask your doctor, so as soon as I get home I call

and said I've taken them and want a copy. Usually they take my

request over the phone. If I'm at the doctor's office when he

prescribes tests for me, I ask while checking out. Just remember when

they ask if you have a copay or not, time to mention he is prescribing

(or took in his office tests) and say you want a copy then. Now they

usually have a form you have to fill out...if that isn't ever

ridiculous!!! Any doctor can get them with initial papers you sign as

new patient but you have to sign a form 'giving permission for them to

give YOU copies each time you request them'!!!! So say Dr Gets-it-

wrong-everytime has prescribed blood tests for me and I would like a

copy when he gets the results. They will hand you a short form where

it say I give Dr Gets-it-wrong-everytime permission to send ___________

(write in your own name) a copy of my results. It just takes a few

seconds.

Barb

> How do you get a copy of your health records.

> Would I ask for a copy up to date (15yrs would make a lot of

printing)

> Then after that do you ask for a copy of the visit or test result at

> each visit?

> Elie

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[Guest guest]

Serena,

The question of who owns the notes is something can't answer. What I know is

that 15 years ago I often had to intercede on behalf of clients and obtain

medical records to hand carry to an insurance office and was most often told the

records are not available but by formal request a transcription of the records

was available for a fee. I often offered to pay the fee for a simple Xerox copy

of the one page notes but was told no that the notes must be reviewed by the

physician first so that their " accuracy " could be confirmed.

My question now is are the notes officially considered medical records or are

they legally just " incomplete " notes subject to review, correction and

certification and issuance on the letterhead of the medical practice.

I greatly admire Barb's approach and ability to get her doctors to perform...

I see she has far greater experience in this than I.

Ken

=========

[] Re: Does this mean employers can easily access our

health records?

Elebel,

I really just make sure I get a copy of any lab work done, blood,

urine, etc. I don't try to get copy of doctor's notes or anything

unless it's from surgery and then those are very good to get, tells

what all was done in surgery and you will know much more than doctor

will tell you. When I get lab work done, I ask as soon as I register

that I'm there. I say I want a copy of lab work. Now since HIPPA

laws or whatever they are called, they make it harder to get. They

don't want patients to have them I think it is easier to see mistakes

made and used for lawsuits is my guess but anyway, the person who

should get them the easiest is YOU but new laws make it harder so my

determination is just more. As soon as I check in for blood work,

xrays etc, I say I want a copy of test results. Usually they say you

must get them from ordering doctor. That is what is new. They used

to be able to send you a copy at same time they sent results to

doctors, now they say ask your doctor, so as soon as I get home I call

and said I've taken them and want a copy. Usually they take my

request over the phone. If I'm at the doctor's office when he

prescribes tests for me, I ask while checking out. Just remember when

they ask if you have a copay or not, time to mention he is prescribing

(or took in his office tests) and say you want a copy then. Now they

usually have a form you have to fill out...if that isn't ever

ridiculous!!! Any doctor can get them with initial papers you sign as

new patient but you have to sign a form 'giving permission for them to

give YOU copies each time you request them'!!!! So say Dr Gets-it-

wrong-everytime has prescribed blood tests for me and I would like a

copy when he gets the results. They will hand you a short form where

it say I give Dr Gets-it-wrong-everytime permission to send ___________

(write in your own name) a copy of my results. It just takes a few

seconds.

Barb

> How do you get a copy of your health records.

> Would I ask for a copy up to date (15yrs would make a lot of

printing)

> Then after that do you ask for a copy of the visit or test result at

> each visit?

> Elie

[Guest guest]

All I know is, my employer's doc was insisting on the notes, so I went and got

'em. It wasn't even a matter of just keeping track. My economic survival

depended on it, so I made it happen. Did whatever I had to do, said whatever I

had to say. I didn't have the strength to do fancy or nice or patient, so didn't

bother trying.

In retrospect, it seems to strain irony that I should have had to stand in a

doctor's office and inform them so loudly that I was too dam ned sick to play

the game, so just hand 'em over pronto and skip the excuses. I launched a major

rant on how he'd turned into a corporation instead of the healer he used to be.

The doctor was short-staffed that day, and went and did the copying himself.

Whether he was trying to help, or just wanted me to disappear as quickly as

possible, I couldn't say. I've known him a long time. He's basically a good guy,

but completely clueless with this illness. He had long since decided I needed a

shrink, so maybe I scared him? Shamed him? Dunno, but it worked. <G> I no longer

really care if they think I'm completely bats. It's only my flaming LIFE, you

know? That'll trump Miss Manners every time, if need be.

FWIW, I did apologize later, and he cheerfully continued to do my labs even

though another doc was running the case, so that my insurance would cover.

Another doc, I fired on the spot and rather loudly (there was a blatant ethics

violation involved). I demanded ALL my records IMMEDIATELY, and had them before

I walked out the door. If you're a Wanda Sykes fan, then you pretty much know

what I did ; ). They will never grasp what it costs me to put on a show like

that (about a week horizontal, each time). Doesn't matter now, though.

The others gave me the records on the spot with a simple polite request, and

update them at each visit. These are the docs I still see, because they do get

it, and they don't put me through all that. Them, I leave with a big hug, a very

sincere thanks, and a couple pieces of paper in my hand. Nobody gets originals.

I keep multiple copies on hand, and dole them out when I need to.

Serena

www.freeboards.net/index.php?mforum=sickgovernmentb

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

My former doctor out and out refused to give me copies of my records.

I had to send a certified letter before they would release them. That

was the first legal step before turning them in to the Atty. Gen.

Since then, I get copies of everything immediately.

Barth

TOXIC MOLD SURVEY: www.presenting.net/sbs/sbssurvey.html

---

b> I've also had to 'demand' them at times. If *I have to sign for other

b> people to get them, then I am in charge (of my own records), so I can

b> certainly order them given to MYSELF!!! Some doctors office get away

b> with hoodwinking people. They just don't want to give them out.

[Guest guest]

bard,

About most doctor's they have become legal drugs dealer's this is the reason

they don't want you to know what's wrong with you this happen all the time Rich

or poor. we need more caring Doctors like Dr. Shoemaker May God Bless him and

others like him Truth Hurts.

Peace

Elvira

[] Re:* Does this mean employers can easily access our

health records?

Ken,

This is probably because doctor's have been embarassed or worse by

things in their notes. If that is case to PATIENT, then that should

be rule for other doctors. Why should he have to dictate and write

up for patient but give out notes to other doctors. I would ask

what his policy is for other doctors. Perhaps same. I have never

done this but I guess ask what exactly would be sent to another

doctor if a request for your medical records comes in. If only lab

records are sent, then you can get same. If he sends his NOTES,

then you should be able to get the same. I would sue for something

like that if possible, if doctor gives notes to other doctors but

not to patient. I don't know how far you would get or write to your

Congressperson about it since you are most important person, not

insurance company, not other doctors. This issue really irritates

me and I get kind of sassy if they give me a hassle, like asking me

TO COME IN IN-PERSON TO SIGN SOMETHING when I have fax machine and

won't work with me on that as a convenience when I forget to ask

while I'm there. I always say, " I have more of a right to them than

anyone " , even though person I'm talking to has nothing to do with

rules, I'm hoping it might get repeated and also give her idea she

should demand reports on her own health and not take this

ridiculousness from her doctor. If enough 'patient's' complain to

their doctors about this, it might get changed or at least not get

worse. If everyone is just compliant like they don't care, it may

get worse.

Sometimes they will let you sign something just one time that

you 'authorize' yourself to get copies of everything which you can

see in wording is absolutely ridiculous but this is part of HIPPA

(sp?) laws, instead of each and every time. However you can count

on having to remind them to send them.

Regarding spec situation you recite below. If you ask and they say

no charge to doctor, I would have a problem with that. They are

about you and you are the important person. You are only person who

should have free right to see them. If everyone charged, okay. If

only one charged, that isn't right and I would write to Congressman

or the American Civil Liberties Union or something about these

abuses of rights. You have a right to SEE what a doctor

is 'reporting' about your health to other doctors without any

charges that aren't imposed on other people secondary to you,

insurance company, doctors, your family, whatever.

That's my 2 cents, anyway.

> Suppose the doctor tells you his notes arfe never given out that

if a summary report if required it will have to be dictated and

there will be a secretary's charge.

>

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[Guest guest]

So True

[] Re:* Does this mean employers can easily access our

health records?

I've also had to 'demand' them at times. If *I have to sign for other

people to get them, then I am in charge (of my own records), so I can

certainly order them given to MYSELF!!! Some doctors office get away

with hoodwinking people. They just don't want to give them out.

> I don't know where you are, Ken, but last I heard, you own your

records. You paid for them. Insurers demand (and get) those notes

every day of the week. I've gotten mine, and I keep on getting them.

I've burned copies, and carry a copy to every new physician so they

don't keep repeating the same tests. The only difference is, I don't

work through hospitals. Just private physician's offices. I've had to

get noisy about it once or twice, but it worked!

>

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[Guest guest]

Amen

E

[] Re:* Does this mean employers can easily access our

health records?

> My former doctor out and out refused to give me copies of my

records. <

One PARTICULAR doctor whose name you might recognize refused to give

me copies of my records but naturally would make copies for other

doctors.

So I found a more cooperative doctor willing to give me the copies he

received from the old doctor.

When I got them, I found they had been " sanitized " with critical

elements altered or missing and one test result indicating an

immunological response to fungi was never reported to me.

Experiences like these give new meaning to " The Doctor Patient

Relationship " .

-

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[Guest guest]

This is a sign of a good doctor. Good doctors want informed patients who can do

lifestyle changes as the first step in treatment, and then drug therapy. Also,

offices who copy records at no cost are hard to find. I am sure he understands

what we have gone through, and empathy is a very important trait of a physician.

barb1283 <barb1283@...> wrote:Elvira,

Yes, I went to Dr Shoemaker. He ran lots of tests and to my

amazement I received copies of all of them before I asked for them.

I usually ask on my way out of the office so I can sign a silly form

like " I _____(my name) authorize copies of my records be sent to

_________(write in 'myself') " However office was closing when I was

done and everyone was in a rush, including myself to plane, so I

forgot. Then a month later I got large envelope in mail from his

office with all my test results except for a few that were pending.

He apparently just sends these out as a matter of procedure.

His also requested I read information pertaining to my condition on

his website or in his book (Desperation Medicine)so I understand

terminology and his theory etc. Obviously Dr Shoemaker wants an

informed patient who is participating in their own recover. I was

impressed. To other doctors, if you have anything to say, they look

annoyed. Such a difference.

--- In , " elvira52 " <Elvira52@b...>

wrote:

> barb,>

> About most doctor's they have become legal drugs dealer's this is

the reason they don't want you to know what's wrong with you this

happen all the time Rich or poor. we need more caring Doctors like

Dr. Shoemaker May God Bless him and others like him Truth Hurts.

>

>

> Peace>

> Elvira

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[Guest guest]

Doesn't this whole thing seem ridiculous? When I pay a doctor, I am paying for

the expertise, the opinion rendered, and the scrips that put that opinion to a

practical use. Not providing records for that fee is like saying you pay one fee

for the expertise, but they can hold the opinion hostage for a junk fee. One can

only wonder what would happen if they charged for writing prescriptions

separately! (I have so far never been charged for the records, whether or not I

had to fight for them.)

Years ago, when the contact lense warehouses went into business, many

optometrists tried withholding prescriptions from patients, since dispensing was

a very profitable part of the doc's business. They cited malpractice concerns as

the excuse, and claimed the contact lense warehouses would get them in trouble.

In the end, the law held otherwise for the reasons above.

Serena

www.freeboards.net/index.php?mforum=sickgovernmentb

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[Guest guest]

Barb,

This is great to see a Doctor like Dr. Shoemaker maybe he can make a different

with more Doctors to become like himself we the people really need Doctor that

care how I wish I could write but I can't think good enough the stress of my

health Family and my cases. Not knowing what to do or how to do it is so

stressful I wish I was able to go see him the courts are hard to fight alone

most of all when a person just don't know who, what or how. as they say a

person that plays and attorney has a fool for a Lawyer something like that, well

I have no choice for some reason no true Attorney will touch my case they are

condition. I'm and activist that go where no other dare to go I protested the

NAACP Legal Aid and HUD Housing. they own most Doctors and Attorneys it seem in

the State of Florida there was one I know of that wanted nothing to do with any

of them and he the one I need.

Funny thing he was right and I was wrong and I couldn't face him this happen

back in 1995 he tried to worn me and he is a good Attorney I just can't remember

who he was he use to have his office on Glades Road in Boca Raton next to the

Mall. can't remember his name so I can't say you where right about the NAACP and

I need you now more than ever. nor am I able to pull myself out from the stress

it's so hard to fine good help, the Powers that be in office makes me feel it

does no good to vote unless you own the Bank something like that. but I will

tell you it want stop me from trying the only way I know to get my case's Heard

so I can get the treatment I need also this is happening to my grand kids they

just don't know what's about to happen the Mother that is. and I don't know if

she will listen to me before it's too late she has complain to HUD about the

MOLD in her Apartment that made the Landlord very angry HUMmmmmmmmmmm this

means he will evict her when her lease is up.

she has three kids they will be put out on the streets I'm going to do all I can

to keep this from happening I pray.

To Doctor Shoemaker I thank You for all those you are giving life again my

list of thank you goes on and on Dr. Shoemaker may God bless you and other

follow in your footsteps. Barb I pray things get better for you as well and all

that seek the kind help of Dr.Shoemaker and other Doctors of his caliber

Peace

Elvira

[] Re:* Does this mean employers can easily access our

health records?

Elvira,

Yes, I went to Dr Shoemaker. He ran lots of tests and to my

amazement I received copies of all of them before I asked for them.

I usually ask on my way out of the office so I can sign a silly form

like " I _____(my name) authorize copies of my records be sent to

_________(write in 'myself') " However office was closing when I was

done and everyone was in a rush, including myself to plane, so I

forgot. Then a month later I got large envelope in mail from his

office with all my test results except for a few that were pending.

He apparently just sends these out as a matter of procedure.

His also requested I read information pertaining to my condition on

his website or in his book (Desperation Medicine)so I understand

terminology and his theory etc. Obviously Dr Shoemaker wants an

informed patient who is participating in their own recover. I was

impressed. To other doctors, if you have anything to say, they look

annoyed. Such a difference.

> barb,>

> About most doctor's they have become legal drugs dealer's this is

the reason they don't want you to know what's wrong with you this

happen all the time Rich or poor. we need more caring Doctors like

Dr. Shoemaker May God Bless him and others like him Truth Hurts.

>

>

> Peace>

> Elvira

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[Guest guest]

Barb

Thank You

Elvira

[] Re:* Does this mean employers can easily access our

health records?

Elvira,

You might check with his office. I think he has some kind of program

for people who can't afford, some fund. I don't know what the

criteria to meet though. Also there is travel expenses though, etc.

to get there and back, so.. It is difficult on the pocketbook. Many

of us are being impoverished by this illness and house problems.

> Barb,

>

> This is great to see a Doctor like Dr. Shoemaker maybe he can make a

different with more Doctors to become like himself we the people

really need Doctor that care how I wish I could write but I can't

think good enough the stress of my health Family and my cases. Not

knowing what to do or how to do it is so stressful I wish I was able

to go see him the courts are hard to fight

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