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

[Guest guest]

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.

--- In , " kengib . " <jkg4902@h...>

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.

>

[Guest guest]

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.

--- In , SERENA EDWARDS <pushcrash@y...>

wrote:

> 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!

>

[Guest guest]

> 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 " .

-

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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