How do I get copies?

[charley1986]

Hey, Just throwing this out there - How do you get copies of things that are in your medical records?  I asked the secretary for a copy of my files and she wouldn't release them to me - said that if I needed them to be forwarded they could do that?
What is up with that?!!?!?  This is MY FILE - ABOUT ME - REGARDING MY BODY - I am just puzzled by this - why on earth would they not give me copies!?
I would appreciate any guidance in this area.
Thanks

[oldgranny]

A related discussion, getting old records was started.

[charley1986]

Would you PLEASE scroll up and look at my original post?  In it, you will see the word "copies" - that means not the original.......

[boninclyde]

I'm missing your point. Sorry it went right over my head. I think I know but. Can you explain?

[charley1986]

Hey, thanks for the info....I actually forgot about the HIPPA thing.  I used to work with adults with disabilites and we had class after class on the paperwork, etc.  Let me rephrase that - I hadn't forgotten about IT - just what IT was called.  Anyway, thanks for your help - I feel alot more confident about going in there now that I am informed of my rights and what I can and cannot do.  Hope you have a nice holiday!

[star queen]

HEPPA laws concern the right to privacy and the right to your medical records.  You actually "own your medical records, but they are required under Federal law to be maintained by the doctor.  Doctor's notes are owned by the doctor and are not considered part of your medical records although they are also kept in your chart.  If you wish to read the notes, you may go to the doctor's office and request to read your chart.  They must give you access to read them, but you can't take them out of the office. You can't copy them yourself, but you can take notes on your own notepaper, or make personal notes in the chart itself on your own behalf. Test reports are part of your medical chart and you can have copies of all of them. They have the right to charge you for copies. Mammograms are owned by you and can never be destroyed until 3 years after your death.  If you move, you may request in writing that they be transferred and kept at a facility near your new home.  Xrays of any kind are not owned by you.  You pay for the pictures to be taken, but they are actually owned by the facility that takes them and under the law must be maintained there for 5 years after your last visit before being destroyed.  You can request, in writing, that when the time comes for them to be destroyed, that they be sent to you.  Most facilities will do that. HOpe this helps

[charley1986]

Hey, thanks for the info.  Wonder why you can't have dr notes?  I mean. it is about you...gee, I am just full of questions! lol
I will definately go in person - I live in a very small town and I know everyone who works in the medical center - I am usually pleasant to be around until I get really ticked off!  Anyway, I will go back and ask her again and use your suggestion of smiling and hopefully i will be successful.  I mean, dealing with all this stuff - I need to see stuff on paper so that I can be active in my search.  There are pros and cons to small towns - the con here is that I am pretty much in charge of my health.  My dr is nice - and she's great if you have "usual stuff" - but I have REALLY had to push to get as far as I have.  I keep hoping that this search will come to an end soon.  I know they get sick of seeing me walk through that door - but I refuse to stop until I find out what is wrong with me.  I just have this "thing" inside me that keeps telling me to keep going.....but i have to tell you, I am getting tired - but not out for the count yet.  Thanks again for your input and suggestions.  Have a nice holiday

[charley1986]

Hi, thank you for the info.  I will make my request in writing - although i still don't understand why they are so "funny" about it.  Maybe it has to do with confidentiality law?  Don't know - was just shocked by it.  I appreciate your post.

[who_is_this]

Make a WRITTEN request to the doctor's office asking for all copies of your office medical records.  Be aware of a couple things; if you request that they be sent to YOU, you will be billed.  If you request that they be sent to Dr. X (or whoever you may be going to for a second opinion), you won't be.

Sometimes you have to go in and sign a release.  You are legally entitled to a copy of your medical records upon written request.  Tell them your next communication will be from an attorney.  

That usually will be enough.  If you are trying to get records from a hospital, again submit a written request to the medical records dept. of hospital X.

Over the phone won't do it.  All communications in regards to release of records must be written.