PCP / Cardios/ Surgeons/ Letters

[Jkm7]

I don't know where to ask this question so if this is the wrong place, sorry.

Sometimes when at my PCP's office or Cardio, they will mention they received a letter from one of my other doctors. They never show it to me and only make passing reference to the contents.

Is it appropriate to ask to see it? Ask for a copy?
Is it private seeing that it was addressed to them though regarding me and my care?

Thanks.

 

[kfay]

I always ask to see them and then if it is something I want, I ask for a copy, which my Dr. always leaves the room to make the copy himself. You should absolutely ask for a copy if you want one. It is your right to have access to your medical records.

Kim

 

[skeptic49]

It is your right to have access to your medical records.

Kim is right! Ask for tht copies that you want.

Jim

 

[Jkm7]

Thanks. Funny how I feel 'awkward' asking. I almost feel like I'm checking up on them or something. Of course, I realize it is about me and my health, but still ....

 

[Bina]

Years ago my GP referred me to a rheumatologist and an allergist. Both of these specialists were required to assess my condition and send their findings back to my GP who then called me in and discussed their findings. When I moved away I asked for some copies from my file and these letters were included.
Of course today, I would love to know what my cardio is going to report to my GP, and I will make sure to ask!

 

[Teresa]

I have "trained" my PCP to make copies of every test, consultation, appointment I make with her or anyone else and she gives me a copy at the start of our appointments together. She kind of owes it to me because for the last 8 years she never recommened any tests (echos, etc) to follow my murmur (now I have had 4 echos this year alone!)

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Your Primary Care Physician (PCP) acts as the co-ordinator of all your treatment.

Each specialist you see will write a letter to your PCP summarizing his findings from tests and examination.

By LAW, you can request copies of your records (usually from the Provider...
your PCP may or may not be willing to give you copies of info from other docs).

Whenever I go for my regular Echocardiogram and checkup, I always fill out the Release of Information sheet at their Records Department Desk, requesting a copy of the Echocardiogram Report and the Letter from my Cardio to my PCP.

Tests performed at a Hospital are recorded in the Hospital Records Department and must be obtained from the Hospital (NOT your Doc's). The may require a Copying Fee in which case you can request to see a copy of your records for any stay or test, and then only pay for the pages you actually keep.

Most Doc's only go over the highlights / out-of-range results. With the actual test reports, you can get the 'whole picture'. I chart my Echo Reports on a Spread Sheet which makes it MUCH EASIER to spot changes and trends (which I once pointed out to my Cardio which got his attention when the individual numbers did not raise his concern)

That's how it works with my Docs / Hospital.

'AL Capshaw'