Hopkins will NOT release my Western Blot!

[Hope75]

Well, I thought I should share that I requested my Western Blot results via fax and telephone and they will not release them.  I have requested my results THREE times.  The first time, they just sent my positive ELISA.  The second time, they called me and said the lab could not give them anything in written form, so she wrote:  IgM 39 Negative, IgG 39 Negative (if I remember correctly, whatever bands, they were negative and didn't make sense.)

The third time, I used their Request for Records form off of their website.  I used a professional fax cover with all of my information and stated specifically what I wanted:  Per my patient rights, I am requesting my Western Blot for Lyme laboratory results.  I want a copy of what is in the "official patient record", as the last request did not gleen any details and said, "do not place in patient chart, not offical patient record."  I want the official record with the detailed laboratory results faxed or mailed to blah blah.  

It has been several weeks.  Nothing.  Does anyone else find this ridiculously fishy!?  I'm calling tomorrow, since I'm in this lovely mood:)

[JackieCalifornia]

Hope,

Go to this link (sorry, I don't trust the medhelp bot not to asterisk the link into something meaningless) at:

w w w [dot] hhs [dot] gov [/] ocr [/] privacy [/] hipaa [/] understanding [/] consumers [/] medical records [dot] html

It's a US govt website that explains in fairly clear language that you have a right to your medical records -- there are apparently some exceptions, but I'd write to Hopkins citing to the information in this link assuming there are no exceptions that apply.  I would do it in writing, keeping copies, as well as taking written notes of the date and time and name of anyone you talk to, and what they say.

Ask for ALL documentation in their possession pertaining to you, "whether or not part of any official file or record."

In other words, keep badgering them.  This does sound fishy.   Let us know what happens.  

[patsy10]

Yes it does sound fishy.  Like Jackie said, you have a right to your medical record.  I would call the hospital administrator or ombudsman dept. on Monday.  You actually  have to sign for the records and show your driver's license.

[Hope75]

I faxed a request again this morning citing that it was one of many unsuccessful requests.  I included copies of my fax confirmations with the dates and times of previous requests.  Hopefully, it was just a mix-up, or several.  The next step is having my lawyer request them:)  This is not a witch hunt, but it is getting a bit ridiculous.  Requesting my records shouldn't be this hard.  I will give them this last chance.  I double checked my fax number online and used the official request for records form, so everything on my end should be correct.  That website will be cited on the next one, if necessary.  I will probably use it in future requests as well, so thank you for that info. JackieCalifornia.  It may come in handy:)

[PlateletGal]

How fishy ! You aren't the first MedHelp member who has had this problem.

Things that make you go "hmmmm".  : |

~PlateletGal

[Hope75]

Well guys - I finally got my results.  All they say is that the ELISA is positive and IgG and IgM antibodies for Lyme are negative.  So helpful:)  Either way, I wanted a record of their "negative" WB and my positive ELISA.  I will leave them alone now :P