Hospital Records and Thanks a bunch

[westkane]

Excuse my igmorance here, but is it possible/allowed/legal for me, the patient, to have a copy of my records from my recent hospital stay and surgery? Do hospital doctors routinely write up tests results (such as echo's) and put them in the patients file? I have had my local PCP and internist ask me some questions which I don't know because CCF has my file. Could I get a copy of it? Or is this something that is allowed to be only transferred between Dr offices? - I know my cardiologist has requested information, but I feel like I am being in the dark all the time. Also, thank you so much for all your replies to my post, they are graetly appreciated.

As an example I had a stress test the other day and my Cardiac rehab center has it. I asked the nurse how it looked and she said she could not give me that answer and I would have to ask the Dr. (So, therefore you call the DR's office, he is busy, please make an appointment, call back, I give him/her the message you called, etc, etc, ect....)Can I see the results, get a copy for myself? I may not know what the results actually mean, but I would have a copy in my hand. Thanks again for your assistance

 

[geebee]

You do have a right to copies of all your records. However, as you found out, some places resist this. You may also have to pay for them to make copies so be prepared for around 25 cents/page if they do charge.

Keep after the people who say no if you want the records. Eventually they will come across but some are tougher than others - who knows why?

 

[maka]

I always get a copy of the results of my tests.....medical records belong to the patient. In some cases the hospital or office may ask you to pay for the cost of the copies if the records are extensive (many pages). As a routine, I ask the doctors to give me copy of the records once the tests are finished, that way the secy does not have to look for old files. Hope this helps

 

[thenewmarket]

You do have a legal right to your medical records if you have signed all appropriate releases and you follow proper protocol. You can access your chart at Cleveland Clinic through "My Chart". We left there with copies of our surgical reports,etc. I realize you are interested in more details such as a copy of the surgical TEE, echo, etc. I can't imagine an institution such as Cleveland Clinic not abiding by HIPPA rules.

My husband had BAV repair at Cleveland Clinic with positive results. I certainly understand your apprehension, fear, anger, and anxiety. Cleveland Clinic is top notch when it comes to statistics, satisfaction, results, etc. If you have difficulty obtaining the information you desire, I suggest you contact the office of the Ombudsman at CCF. That number is 216-444-2544.

 

[Harrybaby666]

Hi There WestKane....

Hi There WestKane....

I just went through a horrible experience with my former Urologists office...it seems that my Dr. at this Urology practice left and went to another practice within the hospital, and when I called Gateway Urology, they gave me THE WORST TIME about transferring my records to the new practice, and I ended up calling the Dr. at the new practice who told me right then and there that I had a legal right to those records, and when I called Gateway back, they still gave me a hard time, so I got ugly with them and demanded my records....They told me that they would be ready in a "few days" and couldn't give me a definite time, so once again, I got ugly with them and told them I wanted them THE NEXT DAY...othewise I would report them to the medical board.....They complied....I hope this mini novel helps..LOL Harrybaby

 

[Blanche]

It's the law of the land

It's the law of the land

Your medical providers are required by Federal Law, known as the HIPPA rules, to provide you access to your medical records. The following is taken from a summary of HIPPA rules.

"E stablish your own history of treatment. If you decide to change physicians or health care organizations, it is a good idea to obtain copies of your medical records. Physicians may retire, move out of state or merge practices with other physicians. Health care facilities may merge with another facility or even go out of business following bankruptcy. Get copies of medical records while you can. Don't count on your ability to get your records years after treatment. If your doctor or health care provider goes out of business, be sure to find out where they intend to store the medical records of their patients.

How do I get access to my own medical records?

HIPAA requires health care providers, health plans, and health care clearinghouse to allow you access to your medical records. Notices you receive from providers and plans must include information about how you can obtain copies of your medical records.

In addition to HIPAA, about half the states have laws that allow patients or their designated representatives to access medical records. Laws usually allow health care facilities to charge a "reasonable" fee for copying records.

If you receive care in a federal medical facility, you have a right to obtain your records under the federal Privacy Act of 1974 (5 USC sec. 552a, www.usdoj.gov/foia/privstat.htm)

We advise that you make your request in writing. For a sample letter, see www.privacyrights.org/Letters/medical2.htm. If you are denied access, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service's Office of Civil Rights. (Contact information is provided at the end of this guide). Your state's medical privacy law might also enable you to file a complaint with state regulators.''

Also, see a copy of this document http://www.aarp.org/research/health/privinsurance/inb114_hipaa.html

Hope this helps. By law, they can not refuse....but, they can make it difficult and they can charge for the copies. Don't give up. It's vital that you have copies of your records for use with medical concerns in future.

Regards,
Blanche

 

[Lynlw]

I usually call the medical records dept and ask what forms I need to fill out to get records. Many hospitals charge the patient for copies, but it is free to have sent to other doctors, so I have records sent to a doctor that will give them to me. You usually have to fill out that hospitals HIPPA form for each person you want the records sent to.
Also it may take a while to get reports from tests, the doctor usually has to review the test, write the report, have someone type it ect.
Lyn

 

[Gene]

Want your records?

Want your records?

Ask your doctor during your examination to send a record of your evaluation to you. If he/she schedules tests, ask in advance for results to be mailed to you. If you do not receive them in a timely manner, make another request in writing.
All providers know you have a legal right to your medical records. Whether they charge for the service or not is completely a matter of policy.
You are responbile for keeping your own records which goes a long way in obtaining what the providers have. Good luck!
Simple.