medical records cost

[Shelly900]

I decided to make the switch from my regular OB/GYN to the fertility specialist.  I was told from my ob's office that they were going to charge me $20 for page #1 of my records, and 80 cents for each additional page.  Does this seem unreasonable to anyone?  I didn't know they could charge whatever they wanted for my own records.  Has anyone else encountered this?  In the grand scheme of things it isn't a lot of money, but it is somewhat irritating.  Anything?

[Shelly900]

Thank you all for your responses.  My GYN is willing to send the records free of charge, but my infertility clinic requests that I hand carry the records in.  My GYN only charges if I want my own copies.  It seems ridiculous to me, but I think I am just going to pay and find someplace new, anyway.  I just thought it was crazy that they would charge me for records of treatment I have already paid for.  Thanks for your imput.

[mlister13682]

My sister is a nurse and she said that you only have to pay for your medical records if you personally request them but if they are faxing them to another doctor there is no charge...its just if it goes through you. I just recently switched fertility specialists and thats how it worked with me...hope this helps.

[AngieLynn]

I think that is ridiculous. My primary faxes a book to every doc I ever see and expects to get reports back. I have never had to pay ANYTHING!! I even got records from the hospital (MRI films and x-rays) and they never charged me anything for the copies of the films!!

[paranoidpattie]

Oh, I just re-read this.  I transferred from one GYN to another, not to an RE.  So I would think you wouldn't have to pay to go to an RE.  That's crazy!!

[babyadrian]

I never heard it either...i did not pay any dime to transfer my records to my RE.

[miky72]

I had to pay 40 $.

[paranoidpattie]

I had to pay $20 to have mine transferred and I thought that was ridiculous.  

[tina1111]

I have never paid for mine either. In fact, every visit I get a copy and keep my own files at home. I think that is an outrageous amt to pay. In fact, I would question the legality of it as well. I know it is illegal for them to charge for filling out forms. My dr used to chg for filling out AFLAC paperwork until my insurance rep told me it was illegal. I passed that on to my dr when they wanted $10 for the form and they dropped the charge. Definitely worth looking into. Call your insurance agent.

[BabyBlue07]

I never heard that dr. charge money when you want your records.  

[crossing_our_fingers]

I am on my second fertility specialist. (My first one moved to a different state). I didn't pay a dime either time for my records.

[shishka]

I remember paying about $35 for my records