When potential employers see medical records, how detailed are the reports?

[ABC233]

I haven't had any medical records on file until recently when I went to general doctor and neurologist within past 2 weeks.  I experienced mild cognitive impairments and memory loss 2 weeks ago and looking at the medical records the neurologist was very descriptive of the symptons.  I am interviewing with potential employers and I now know that most prerequisites of a hire will include medical records.  When the employer views the medical records how descriptive is it? Is it detailed explaining my daignosis and what caused the impairmens?  My impairments have vastly improved recently and they were due to substance abuse which I no longer partake in.  Can the employer see all the documentation that the doctor wrote?  What exactly is the report tahr they look at?  I am scared because if employers see the cause of why I went to a neurologist and ER than I am screwed for life.  Anyone please advise

[Londres70]

Oops, sorry about the typo, meant see for yourself what exactly was documented.  

Hope everything works out for you.  

[ABC233]

I got my medical records from my general doctor but it's impossible to read his hand writing. I'm going to have to call and have him translate.  Tomorrow I will obtain medical records from neurologist and then the hospital.  Hopefully I'll be ok

[Londres70]

As far as I know, employers are NOT privy to see your medical records unless you give them permission.  

I can almost be 100% sure this substance and your substance use was documented in your medical record since it was the cause of your problems.  Why don't you just get a copy of your medical records and see for yourself what exactly was documents.  Ask the physician for a copy.      

[ABC233]

I am not concerned with drug test or hair follicle test because I no longer use substances.  My only concern was when I had quit I felt some memory issues and went to doctor and neurologist for daignosis.  I'm curious if they wrote substance use on records. If they didn't then I would be fine cause then I can schedule another appointment with neurologist and he can see thy the symptons are gone and document.  My only concer is if he did write substance then I am screwed.  I need to know facts. Are employers required to get medical records? If so can I conceal certain records? Getting worried big time!

[caregiver222]

Employers also ask "have you ever been arrested" although this is a question they cannot legally ask.

I suspected the problem had to do with drug abuse.

If they take a hair sample they will be able to detect narcotics that have been ingested months ago. Most employers do not do so.

Unfortunately, with the computerization of records, your history of drug use may be impossible to erase. The other alternative is to lie, because they will surely ask the drug question on your employment questionairre. You will then be fired, not for the drug abuse, but for falsifying information,

Truly a dilemna.

[Londres70]

The best thing to do is to consult an Employment lawyer who know NY employment laws. He/she will be more in tune about what you should do and what you shouldn't do.  

Just curious, exactly what kind of position is this?  

[ABC233]

I live in ny. I am currently looking for a new job and usually the prerequisites of job offer require access to medial records.  I am terrified now because I'm schedules to interview next week and on my medical records show that I had a CT scan, EEG test, and a visit to neurologist due to mild memory and cognitive loss due to substance abuse.  My symptons have diminished greatly but my concern is if my future employer sees this then I am screwed. If I knew I would have never went to the doctor. This can be a costly mistake that I would have to pay for the rest of my life.  Nit only can this ruin my career but also a potential job making 130k. I don't know much about medical laws but how can I conceal the possibility that substance abuse is recorded on my records and the diagnosis from neurologist that I had mild memory and cognitive loss.  I know now that my memory is fully functional so should I go visit the neuro again and have him test mr and document that my mental health I fine.  How can I handle this correctly? My career is on the line

[caregiver222]

It depends upon the state. In many jurisdictions employers are prohibited from viewing such records. Human resources often requests them if you have an injury, and if you provide such records include a limitation on the period in which they may view the records, prohibit copies and permit them only to view records that are pertinent to a specific injury.

They may not like this, but that's how it goes moving west.

For the record you are under no moral obligation to fill out your employment application accurately. Depending on the material omitted (seizures, for example, must be noted on a driving application) you may have no legal obligation to do so either. There is case law on this subject.

You might also, for starters, send a registered letter to your treating physician(s) prohibiting them from tranferring your records without your express aproval.

[AnnaMariaQQss]

Have you ever signed the HIPA agreement? Google that, this should give you some reassurance. Best of luck to ya

[ABC233]

On my records are EEG and CT scan along with MRI.  Am I screwed? Please advise