Re: Our Medical Records

[Guest guest]

Colin,

You wrote, " I was encouraged by nurses and doctors alike to get a copy of my

" chart " prior to leaving... The information was of course required by me to

take home to the UK, so that my own doctors can see exactly what happened in the

USA. This is probably the reason for the passing on information in my case. A

few nurses commented that many patients are not even aware they can get a

copy of their chart. "

I am glad that you were able to get your complete medical record. The issue

of traveling with your records is very important. It sounds like you were

referring to your hospital records? My experience is that it is much easier to

request and collect your hospital medical records. I think the reason fro this

is

that the request is directed to the medical records department who has no

vested interest in their content. They simply fill the request by copying the

files.

It is also more difficult from a doctor's office as they usually don't have a

medical records department, per se, and they certainly have limited staff to

spend the time to make the copies. That is my whole point in requesting the

records from the previous visits as we go, so when I do need them they aren't

facing making copies of a year's worth of visits.

Many states are also behind the times and they are still used to having the

patient sign a release of responsibility and a request to have their records

sent to a particular doctor.

There are other reasons for us wanting copies of our records other than

giving them to new doctors. We need to ensure that the proper documentation is

being done to support our social security and disability, insurance and Medicare

coverage, etc.

Thanks for your input.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org

Pancreatitis Association International