Medical Records

[Guest guest]

On Wed, 05 Feb 2003 12:23:44 -0000, " scott crowe crowespga@...> "

crowespga@...> spoke thusly:

>Hello, I have a question regarding medical records. Is there any

>organization or place where I can go to get rules stating my rights

>ot get a copy of my medical records.

Your rights regarding your medical records is State specific. Try going to the

NC State home page and look for any board or commission that regulates medical

practices.

I'm only familiar with California laws. In California, you have the absolute

right to your records in a timely manner. However, psychiatric records must be

released to your doctor who can then decide if it is appropriate to share them

with you.

It helps to put such requests in writing--just in case you run into problems,

like you already have.

Hope that helps,

administrator/creator/moderator

alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info (moderated)

alt.support.depression.manic.moderated

to email me from news groups, just remove the Z.

[Guest guest]

On Wed, 05 Feb 2003 12:23:44 -0000, " scott crowe crowespga@...> "

crowespga@...> spoke thusly:

>Hello, I have a question regarding medical records. Is there any

>organization or place where I can go to get rules stating my rights

>ot get a copy of my medical records.

Your rights regarding your medical records is State specific. Try going to the

NC State home page and look for any board or commission that regulates medical

practices.

I'm only familiar with California laws. In California, you have the absolute

right to your records in a timely manner. However, psychiatric records must be

released to your doctor who can then decide if it is appropriate to share them

with you.

It helps to put such requests in writing--just in case you run into problems,

like you already have.

Hope that helps,

administrator/creator/moderator

alt.med.fibromyalgia.recovery.info (moderated)

alt.support.depression.manic.moderated

to email me from news groups, just remove the Z.

[Guest guest]

,

I am not sure where to go to get the information you need but I will try to find

out later today. I didn't have any problems getting my medical records. It is

best that you request in writing. If you know your physicians fax #s then fax

your request to them and ask that the records be mailed to your residence. You

are entitled to your medical records.

The only problem I encountered was getting copies of my MRI and CT scans the

hospital's wanted to charge me $5 per film. I have some in my possession now

that I am try to scan so I will have copies.

Hope this helps for now.

Dorothy in Houston

" scott crowe crowespga@...> " crowespga@...> wrote:Hello, I have a

question regarding medical records. Is there any

organization or place where I can go to get rules stating my rights

ot get a copy of my medical records. My Neurosurgeons office, and

the hospital I had the surgery at are being stubborn about giving me

these. I got my surgical report from the hospital, but all sorts of

things are missing, including the post op cat scan, and the report

regarding this. My neurosurgeons office gave me some films, but has

lost my original diagnostic films, and is refusing to give me a copy

of my medical files. I have always suspected something wrong, and

now even more. My post operative mri talks about my medulla and

cranocervical junction showing tortuosity, and a high signal in the

ethmoid air cells of the medial aspect of the left maxillary sinus.

Does any of this make sense to anyone. There is also mention of

resolution of a previous pneumocephalus, any ideas on that one?

I heard that it is every patients right to have a copy of their full

medical file. You may be charged for it, we payed 96 dollars for my

surgical report. I had an incident in the cat scan area, but threre

is no report, no cat scan, and no radiology report, regarding the cat

scan. I just want all my records and am being told no.

Is there an organization called JACHO, or something like that, that

can help me. Any answers will be greatly appreciated. I just need

them to send to NY, and I would like to copy them for myself first,

so that they do not come up missing like some of my other medical

records.

Thanks for your time and I wish you all a healthy and happy day.

Respectfully,

NC

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[Guest guest]

,

I am not sure where to go to get the information you need but I will try to find

out later today. I didn't have any problems getting my medical records. It is

best that you request in writing. If you know your physicians fax #s then fax

your request to them and ask that the records be mailed to your residence. You

are entitled to your medical records.

The only problem I encountered was getting copies of my MRI and CT scans the

hospital's wanted to charge me $5 per film. I have some in my possession now

that I am try to scan so I will have copies.

Hope this helps for now.

Dorothy in Houston

" scott crowe crowespga@...> " crowespga@...> wrote:Hello, I have a

question regarding medical records. Is there any

organization or place where I can go to get rules stating my rights

ot get a copy of my medical records. My Neurosurgeons office, and

the hospital I had the surgery at are being stubborn about giving me

these. I got my surgical report from the hospital, but all sorts of

things are missing, including the post op cat scan, and the report

regarding this. My neurosurgeons office gave me some films, but has

lost my original diagnostic films, and is refusing to give me a copy

of my medical files. I have always suspected something wrong, and

now even more. My post operative mri talks about my medulla and

cranocervical junction showing tortuosity, and a high signal in the

ethmoid air cells of the medial aspect of the left maxillary sinus.

Does any of this make sense to anyone. There is also mention of

resolution of a previous pneumocephalus, any ideas on that one?

I heard that it is every patients right to have a copy of their full

medical file. You may be charged for it, we payed 96 dollars for my

surgical report. I had an incident in the cat scan area, but threre

is no report, no cat scan, and no radiology report, regarding the cat

scan. I just want all my records and am being told no.

Is there an organization called JACHO, or something like that, that

can help me. Any answers will be greatly appreciated. I just need

them to send to NY, and I would like to copy them for myself first,

so that they do not come up missing like some of my other medical

records.

Thanks for your time and I wish you all a healthy and happy day.

Respectfully,

NC

Help section: http://www.yahoogroups.com/help/

NOTE: NCC refers to posts with No Chiari Content

To Unsubscribe Yourself:

chiari-unsubscribe

WACMA Home: Http://www.wacma.com

WACMA Online Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chiari/

[Guest guest]

> Hello, I have a question regarding medical records. Is there any

> organization or place where I can go to get rules stating my rights

> ot get a copy of my medical records. My Neurosurgeons office, and

> the hospital I had the surgery at are being stubborn about giving

me

> these. I got my surgical report from the hospital, but all sorts

of

> things are missing, including the post op cat scan, and the report

> regarding this. My neurosurgeons office gave me some films, but

has

> lost my original diagnostic films, and is refusing to give me a

copy

> of my medical files. I have always suspected something wrong, and

> now even more. My post operative mri talks about my medulla and

> cranocervical junction showing tortuosity, and a high signal in the

> ethmoid air cells of the medial aspect of the left maxillary

sinus.

> Does any of this make sense to anyone. There is also mention of

> resolution of a previous pneumocephalus, any ideas on that one?

>

> I heard that it is every patients right to have a copy of their

full

> medical file. You may be charged for it, we payed 96 dollars for

my

> surgical report. I had an incident in the cat scan area, but

threre

> is no report, no cat scan, and no radiology report, regarding the

cat

> scan. I just want all my records and am being told no.

>

> Is there an organization called JACHO, or something like that, that

> can help me. Any answers will be greatly appreciated. I just need

> them to send to NY, and I would like to copy them for myself first,

> so that they do not come up missing like some of my other medical

> records.

>

> Thanks for your time and I wish you all a healthy and happy day.

> Respectfully,

> NC

You might want to look up:

" The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act "

a.k.a 'HIPAA' on the internet most sites will be about how it affects

organizations rather than individuals. But you will find section

164.524 of the Privacy Rules, address your rights to your own

records, this law doesn't go into effect until April 14, 2003.

Here is a site with that portion in it:

http://www.hipaadvisory.com/regs/finalprivacy/524.htm

This site also has state specific laws:

http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.net/

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/24/2004 11:34:07 AM Pacific Standard Time,

jmgrimse@... writes:

Is it permissible for

me to just show up at the doctor's office and ask for my records?

or do I need to call ahead, asking for them?

Personally I'd call ahead and give them time to make copies. Every time I do

a drop-in visit, I seem to have to wait for ages!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/24/2004 11:34:07 AM Pacific Standard Time,

jmgrimse@... writes:

Is it permissible for

me to just show up at the doctor's office and ask for my records?

or do I need to call ahead, asking for them?

Personally I'd call ahead and give them time to make copies. Every time I do

a drop-in visit, I seem to have to wait for ages!

[Guest guest]

Hi Jen, Some of the others here will be able to help you more than me with this

question. What I did was ask for Dylan's records and they only gave me 26 pages

of a 3 " stack. Obviously stuff is missing. Plus they charged me $26. Your new Dr

can get all the records for free. If your Dr. is anything like mine, he said I

could stand at his copy machine and copy anything I wanted, once he got them.

You do need to go to your old Dr's to sign the release form, but they probably

won't give them to you then. That's a time issue for the nurses. If you need to

have a copy for you and your Dr you'll sign two releases. No one needs to know

why you want your own records. Hopefully someone here can explain it better than

me. It took me a month to get mine after I signed the release.

Cindylouwho

PS I never paid the $26. They are my records and I didn't feel it was right to

charge me. I've never heard another word about it.

Medical Records

Hi,

I have been trying to get a previous doctors office to send my

medical records to my new doctor with no success. Now, I want to

get them to make two copies one to take with me to NIH the other to

keep and then give the orginals to my doctor. Is it permissible for

me to just show up at the doctor's office and ask for my records?

or do I need to call ahead, asking for them? or do I have to have

my doctor write a note that I am going to hand carry them with me to

NIH? I don't know what the right procedure is for doing this. I

know that I have a right to my own records, i am just not sure how

to go about getting them.

Thanks for your advice!

hugs,

Jen

EDS III

Phoenix, AZ

To learn more about EDS, visit our website: http://www.ehlersdanlos.ca

[Guest guest]

You will have to give written permission to your old doc to send the records

to the new one. In GA there is a law that allows you to have copies of any

records you want, BUT the office is allowed to charge you per page and for

their time.

I get copies of all tests and medical records from every doctor every time I

see one. Not only that, but I insist on keeping the x-rays, MRI\'s CT scans

as well. I paid for them, so I want them. IF you do that, you will never

been in that position again.

When I see a new doctor, I put together copies of whatever medical

information I have that might be relevant. Places like clinics attached to

hospitals or hospitals will give you copies of every record including your

medical charts if you sign a release for them. I sign a release before I

leave the hospital. Then when they are collected,they will send them or fax

them to me.

I see a new ortho who specializes in shoulders next week. I will bring him

my cervical MRI\'s plus the report that says the pain is not connected to

cervical spinal stenosis. That way I don\'t hae to do those tests again. I

will bring him a history from my rheumatologist listingthe steroid shots

I\'ve had in the shoulder and that they haven\'t worked. I also have a

report on thoracic outlet syndrome tht I had 10 years ago to have him

consider if that has returned.

IT saves so much time and energy to keep them in the first place then to

have to go to each and every doctor to get the copies.

Judy

The Ehlers Danlos National Foundation

http://www.ednf.org'>www.ednf.org

[Guest guest]

Jen~~

First of all you own the information contained in your medical records. ALL

OF IT.

The doctor owns the paper, ink, fasteners, cardboard.. Etc.

You have a right to the information in your record.

It is different from state to state so I will tell you about California and

you can go from there.

Armed with this knowledge the office will usually back down (you know more

than them and that usually scares them)

In California, after your written request (it must be written and signed by

you) the office has 10 days to " produce " the medical records for viewing.

This means you are in the office and you can view your original record but

not touch it.

The office has (um, it has been so long.. I think, lets say 15-30 days) to

get you a copy of your full and complete record. This means FULL AND

COMPLETE not just select, not just labs, not just op notes, not just office

notes, not just phone calls. THE WHOLE RECORD including any sticky notes

that might be attached!

You may request the records to yourself or to be sent to another doctor.

Many offices will say, " we only send to other doctors you cannot get it for

yourself " In California that is bull.

You can request your records go to anyone including yourself.

Now they are allowed by law to charge for the copy service. (It used to be

$25.00 if it is a copy service or .25 cents per page up to $25.00) but

remember I have not been in the business for a while and the law changes as

fast as medicine so this might be more.

Regardless. you can get a copy of your record and then you can make another

copy at a copy service like Kinkos for the doctor that you will be seeing.

I always advise that the patient keep a copy. Records have a habit of going

missing when you need them the most.

You are allowed to have the films too.

This is a bit sticky because the facility owns the actual film but you paid

for not only the test but the reading of the test and the film in the charge

so actually you do own the original film. This is less easy to get done but

it can be. If they will not give you the film ask for them to get you a

copy. DO NOT JUST ACCEPT THE REPORT if you think the film is important for

the doctors to see.

DO NOT TAKE NO or We will get to it when we can for an answer.

Tell them that you are going out of state and you will be.

" the doctor wants me to hand carry my records "

This phrase will work.

Now, to be sure about your state you can look up the CC on the internet.

Look up standard of care, medical practice, medical records and you will

fine the code that applies to your state's regulations.

It is best just to ask for one copy.

Remember that offices are very busy and you don't want to push them to the

point of being mad at you or for sure you will not get your records when you

need them..

Also, in California, records cannot be held as hostage for any reason.

You did not pay your bill ..

We will give your records to you when you pay your bill..

NOT!

The doctor does not release records except for once a month.

At least in California that is garbage.

If you have problems please write me off line and I will see what I can do

to help you along.

Debbi

Medical Records

Hi,

I have been trying to get a previous doctors office to send my

medical records to my new doctor with no success. Now, I want to

get them to make two copies one to take with me to NIH the other to

keep and then give the orginals to my doctor. Is it permissible for

me to just show up at the doctor's office and ask for my records?

or do I need to call ahead, asking for them? or do I have to have

my doctor write a note that I am going to hand carry them with me to

NIH? I don't know what the right procedure is for doing this. I

know that I have a right to my own records, i am just not sure how

to go about getting them.

Thanks for your advice!

hugs,

Jen

EDS III

Phoenix, AZ

To learn more about EDS, visit our website: http://www.ehlersdanlos.ca

[Guest guest]

Judy, can you explain your statment below for me?? I think the pain

I have in my shoulder IS related to cervical spinal stenosis. Are

you just saying that the pain you have is different? How did they

determine whether or not it is or is not related to the stenosis????

I've been wondering that.

Thanks in advance, Judy!

Love Lana

> I see a new ortho who specializes in shoulders next week. I will

bring him

> my cervical MRI\'s plus the report that says the pain is not

connected to

> cervical spinal stenosis. That way I don\'t hae to do those tests

again.

[Guest guest]

Judy, can you explain your statment below for me?? I think the pain

I have in my shoulder IS related to cervical spinal stenosis. Are

you just saying that the pain you have is different? How did they

determine whether or not it is or is not related to the stenosis????

I've been wondering that.

Thanks in advance, Judy!

Love Lana

> I see a new ortho who specializes in shoulders next week. I will

bring him

> my cervical MRI\'s plus the report that says the pain is not

connected to

> cervical spinal stenosis. That way I don\'t hae to do those tests

again.

[Guest guest]

So sorry to hear so many have had trouble receiving their medical records-

thankfully I've not ever had a problem with my own- and never was charged at all

either..... in fact- the Bay City hospital phoned me to tell me they were ready

to be picked up and I told them that my parents were a bit busy- dad being a

well driller --- worked at that time from morn till night and was too tired to

go get them and mom was on vacation at the time for 2 weeks- and I certainly was

unable to drive- which they remembered- so they kindly offered to mail them to

me..... postage paid and all. I was shocked when great big X-ray packages and

thensome arrived at my house-I figured nothing would come from their telephone

conversation except information on paper---- I didn't expect them to do any of

this at all actually.....

Not the same amount of luck with Kenny's records though ( My angel in heaven

)- I had requested his autopsy report several times and finally a lawyer got his

hands on them- the hospital kept making excuses ( the same hospital that sent me

home - saying there was nothing wrong with me - when I had compartment syndrome

- or 2 aneurysms if you will )- the lawyer did tell me after he got the autopsy

report on Kenny that it had been changed- not sure how he knew this but they did

admit to it in court- sick buggars huh. Its hard for me to remember exactly

what all I was told at the time- when i had asked for Kenny's medical

information but that hospital gave me so many excuses it was pathetic- one that

I do remember was them saying - they lost them- egads- I can't remember what I

told them before slamming the phone down.

I agree with you Cindy- no one should have to pay for them---- after all -

they are definitely yours.....

Hugs N Love- TJ

Hi Jen, Some of the others here will be able to help you more than me with

this question. What I did was ask for Dylan's records and they only gave me 26

pages of a 3 " stack. Obviously stuff is missing. Plus they charged me $26. Your

new Dr can get all the records for free. If your Dr. is anything like mine, he

said I could stand at his copy machine and copy anything I wanted, once he got

them. You do need to go to your old Dr's to sign the release form, but they

probably won't give them to you then. That's a time issue for the nurses. If you

need to have a copy for you and your Dr you'll sign two releases. No one needs

to know why you want your own records. Hopefully someone here can explain it

better than me. It took me a month to get mine after I signed the release.

Cindylouwho

PS I never paid the $26. They are my records and I didn't feel it was right to

charge me. I've never heard another word about it.

[Guest guest]

Well, I just called two of my doctors. My GP will mail them to who

ever I want free of charge, but if I pick them up, I have to pay per

page! I think what I may do is to have them mailed to Dr. Nazli and

ask if I may copy them when I'm there. Then I wouldn't need to

worry about it again. I do have to sign a release at both places,

and my other doctor (the spine doctor I did NOT like!) said I have

to submit a letter in writing, stating who it's going to! ?????

Love Lana

>

> So sorry to hear so many have had trouble receiving their

medical records- thankfully I've not ever had a problem with my own-

and never was charged at all either

> Hi Jen, Some of the others here will be able to help you more

than me with this question. What I did was ask for Dylan's records

and they only gave me 26 pages of a 3 " stack. Obviously stuff is

missing. Plus they charged me $26. Your new Dr can get all the

records for free. If your Dr. is anything like mine, he said I could

stand at his copy machine and copy anything I wanted, once he got

them. You do need to go to your old Dr's to sign the release form,

but they probably won't give them to you then.

[Guest guest]

I have all my records in my bottom dresser drawer. all the way back from the

first grade and every film that has ever been taken.

Better that YOU the patient has it than the medical system!

Debbi

Re:Medical records

You will have to give written permission to your old doc to send the records

to the new one. In GA there is a law that allows you to have copies of any

records you want, BUT the office is allowed to charge you per page and for

their time.

I get copies of all tests and medical records from every doctor every time I

see one. Not only that, but I insist on keeping the x-rays, MRI\'s CT scans

as well. I paid for them, so I want them. IF you do that, you will never

been in that position again.

When I see a new doctor, I put together copies of whatever medical

information I have that might be relevant. Places like clinics attached to

hospitals or hospitals will give you copies of every record including your

medical charts if you sign a release for them. I sign a release before I

leave the hospital. Then when they are collected,they will send them or fax

them to me.

I see a new ortho who specializes in shoulders next week. I will bring him

my cervical MRI\'s plus the report that says the pain is not connected to

cervical spinal stenosis. That way I don\'t hae to do those tests again. I

will bring him a history from my rheumatologist listingthe steroid shots

I\'ve had in the shoulder and that they haven\'t worked. I also have a

report on thoracic outlet syndrome tht I had 10 years ago to have him

consider if that has returned.

IT saves so much time and energy to keep them in the first place then to

have to go to each and every doctor to get the copies.

Judy

The Ehlers Danlos National Foundation

http://www.ednf.org'>www.ednf.org

To learn more about EDS, visit our website: http://www.ehlersdanlos.ca

[Guest guest]

I have all my records in my bottom dresser drawer. all the way back from the

first grade and every film that has ever been taken.

Better that YOU the patient has it than the medical system!

Debbi

Re:Medical records

You will have to give written permission to your old doc to send the records

to the new one. In GA there is a law that allows you to have copies of any

records you want, BUT the office is allowed to charge you per page and for

their time.

I get copies of all tests and medical records from every doctor every time I

see one. Not only that, but I insist on keeping the x-rays, MRI\'s CT scans

as well. I paid for them, so I want them. IF you do that, you will never

been in that position again.

When I see a new doctor, I put together copies of whatever medical

information I have that might be relevant. Places like clinics attached to

hospitals or hospitals will give you copies of every record including your

medical charts if you sign a release for them. I sign a release before I

leave the hospital. Then when they are collected,they will send them or fax

them to me.

I see a new ortho who specializes in shoulders next week. I will bring him

my cervical MRI\'s plus the report that says the pain is not connected to

cervical spinal stenosis. That way I don\'t hae to do those tests again. I

will bring him a history from my rheumatologist listingthe steroid shots

I\'ve had in the shoulder and that they haven\'t worked. I also have a

report on thoracic outlet syndrome tht I had 10 years ago to have him

consider if that has returned.

IT saves so much time and energy to keep them in the first place then to

have to go to each and every doctor to get the copies.

Judy

The Ehlers Danlos National Foundation

http://www.ednf.org'>www.ednf.org

To learn more about EDS, visit our website: http://www.ehlersdanlos.ca

[Guest guest]

I have all my records in my bottom dresser drawer. all the way back from the

first grade and every film that has ever been taken.

Better that YOU the patient has it than the medical system!

Debbi

Re:Medical records

You will have to give written permission to your old doc to send the records

to the new one. In GA there is a law that allows you to have copies of any

records you want, BUT the office is allowed to charge you per page and for

their time.

I get copies of all tests and medical records from every doctor every time I

see one. Not only that, but I insist on keeping the x-rays, MRI\'s CT scans

as well. I paid for them, so I want them. IF you do that, you will never

been in that position again.

When I see a new doctor, I put together copies of whatever medical

information I have that might be relevant. Places like clinics attached to

hospitals or hospitals will give you copies of every record including your

medical charts if you sign a release for them. I sign a release before I

leave the hospital. Then when they are collected,they will send them or fax

them to me.

I see a new ortho who specializes in shoulders next week. I will bring him

my cervical MRI\'s plus the report that says the pain is not connected to

cervical spinal stenosis. That way I don\'t hae to do those tests again. I

will bring him a history from my rheumatologist listingthe steroid shots

I\'ve had in the shoulder and that they haven\'t worked. I also have a

report on thoracic outlet syndrome tht I had 10 years ago to have him

consider if that has returned.

IT saves so much time and energy to keep them in the first place then to

have to go to each and every doctor to get the copies.

Judy

The Ehlers Danlos National Foundation

http://www.ednf.org'>www.ednf.org

To learn more about EDS, visit our website: http://www.ehlersdanlos.ca

[Guest guest]

My pcp ,mails me a copy of all medical tests once they are complete. Since

my neurosurgeon is 2500 miles away my pcp schedules all tests. It's nice to

have the reports so when i see a new doctor i can just make him copies.

Re:Medical records

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> You will have to give written permission to your old doc to send the

records

> to the new one. In GA there is a law that allows you to have copies of

any

> records you want, BUT the office is allowed to charge you per page and for

> their time.

>

> I get copies of all tests and medical records from every doctor every time

I

> see one. Not only that, but I insist on keeping the x-rays, MRI\'s CT

scans

> as well. I paid for them, so I want them. IF you do that, you will never

> been in that position again.

>

> When I see a new doctor, I put together copies of whatever medical

> information I have that might be relevant. Places like clinics attached to

> hospitals or hospitals will give you copies of every record including your

> medical charts if you sign a release for them. I sign a release before I

> leave the hospital. Then when they are collected,they will send them or

fax

> them to me.

>

> I see a new ortho who specializes in shoulders next week. I will bring

him

> my cervical MRI\'s plus the report that says the pain is not connected to

> cervical spinal stenosis. That way I don\'t hae to do those tests again.

I

> will bring him a history from my rheumatologist listingthe steroid shots

> I\'ve had in the shoulder and that they haven\'t worked. I also have a

> report on thoracic outlet syndrome tht I had 10 years ago to have him

> consider if that has returned.

>

> IT saves so much time and energy to keep them in the first place then to

> have to go to each and every doctor to get the copies.

> Judy

>

>

>

>

> The Ehlers Danlos National Foundation

> http://www.ednf.org'>www.ednf.org

>

>

>

> To learn more about EDS, visit our website: http://www.ehlersdanlos.ca

>

>

>

>

>

>

>