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~ Who "owns" my medical records? ~

Posted by Barb @amberpep, Oct 22, 2016

I moved to a different state a year ago, which meant changing all my doctors, except for my therapist. I filled out the appropriate paperwork so that with each new doctor I went to, they would get my records. I have only had to see a Family Doctor once for IBS, shortly after I got here, and so I had my records transferred to him .... he seems competent and a nice enough chap. In the records are several copies of all the medications I take and why. Well, I have not been sick since I saw him, but have needed 2 new Rx's for 2 medications I take ... a statin drug, and propanalol. He refuses to authorize Rx's for them unless I come in, and get a complete physical. I just did that before I left my other state!
I have had it as I think this is unreasonable ..... I am planning on calling their office in the morning and asking to have my medical records; then when I find another doctor - hopefully an Internist - I will give them to him or her.
Are they obligated to give these records to me? Will they give me a hard time? I'll probably have to pay for them, but aren't they "my" records?
abby

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 24, 2016
In reply to @sara1257 "All medical records are yours. Every time I go to see my doctors I get copies..." + (show)
@sara1257

All medical records are yours. Every time I go to see my doctors I get copies of all test and check ups. Find out if your doctors have a portal if they do they will post your history, the same goes for any lab you go to for blood work get the reports so you can read them your self. I have f4 cirrhosis and liver cancer along with a host of other problems but I make sure i keep all my records in a binder tabbed for each doctor, also if you get any mri, cat or ultrsound test get the disk and written report. It is your life and health so you have to be in control and if the doctor don't like it find a different doctor. Good luck and let me know how it works out for you

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Thanks for your post, @sara1257. You are very wise, your binder sounds like a good idea! I keep mine in clear plastic folders. I label the top with the category of test (cardiac, pulmonary, etc.). Whatever method you use is great. The patient portal represents the "My Chart" that I mentioned. Every test result becomes available shortly after the results are obtained. Organization is important when you are dealing with multiple health problems! These should represent good tips for @amberpep for the future!

REPLY
Barb | @amberpep | Oct 24, 2016
In reply to @sara1257 "All medical records are yours. Every time I go to see my doctors I get copies..." + (show)
@sara1257

All medical records are yours. Every time I go to see my doctors I get copies of all test and check ups. Find out if your doctors have a portal if they do they will post your history, the same goes for any lab you go to for blood work get the reports so you can read them your self. I have f4 cirrhosis and liver cancer along with a host of other problems but I make sure i keep all my records in a binder tabbed for each doctor, also if you get any mri, cat or ultrsound test get the disk and written report. It is your life and health so you have to be in control and if the doctor don't like it find a different doctor. Good luck and let me know how it works out for you

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Thanks to all of you ..... you've given me some very good tips and ideas. And yes, while I live in an area that has so/so medical facilities, I am only over 2 mountains away from Charlottesville, VA .... where Univ. of VA Medical Center is. That might be the place to go for an Internist.
Thanks everyone.
abby

REPLY
Barb | @amberpep | Oct 24, 2016

Sara ..... you are very wise in doing that. I wish I'd have done that from the very beginning ..... very smart thinking!
abby

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 24, 2016
In reply to @sara1257 "All medical records are yours. Every time I go to see my doctors I get copies..." + (show)
@sara1257

All medical records are yours. Every time I go to see my doctors I get copies of all test and check ups. Find out if your doctors have a portal if they do they will post your history, the same goes for any lab you go to for blood work get the reports so you can read them your self. I have f4 cirrhosis and liver cancer along with a host of other problems but I make sure i keep all my records in a binder tabbed for each doctor, also if you get any mri, cat or ultrsound test get the disk and written report. It is your life and health so you have to be in control and if the doctor don't like it find a different doctor. Good luck and let me know how it works out for you

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@amberpep I'm glad to hear that you are near a university medical center (only over two mountains?). Once again best wishes as you seek help from a good physician.

REPLY
sara1257 | @sara1257 | Oct 24, 2016
In reply to @amberpep "Sara ..... you are very wise in doing that. I wish I'd have done that from..." + (show)
@amberpep

Sara ..... you are very wise in doing that. I wish I'd have done that from the very beginning ..... very smart thinking!
abby

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Amber, if you have IBS I would go to a gastroenterologist they deal with all the internal organs liver, stomach, pancreas and so on. Like i said before I have liver problems so I changed from a GI to a hepatologist at the university of miami miller school of medicine which is about 1.5 hrs away but it is worth it to deal with the right doctor. Good luck Talk soon

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 24, 2016

@sara1257 It sounds as if you have found some good medical help. I'm sure the drive is worth it. Thanks for sharing!

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eastiegirl | @eastiegirl | Oct 24, 2016
In reply to @amberpep "I guess I'm a cynic, probably because I've come here from outside D.C. (where everyone is..." + (show)
@amberpep

I guess I'm a cynic, probably because I've come here from outside D.C. (where everyone is a cynic), but things like this make me think that they just want the extra $$ especially since my records clearly show I just had one before I moved. If I ask for my records, and not see them anymore, am I allowed to have them? They are after all, mine?
Thanks all very much,
abby

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Hopeful33250.....I could have written your response. I agree, keep your records......especially, re "provides with a way to get more info an explanations about test results"......

REPLY
Barb | @amberpep | Oct 25, 2016

Hi all ..... well, I found myself a female Internal Medicine Specialist and I'll see her for the first time in December! Hooray. And, I am going to get copies of everything from now on .... I appreciate that tip. I guess saying "over 2 mountains" does sound funny. I live outside Harrisonburg, VA, right along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Charlottesville is east about 40 min. or "over 2 mountains."
abby

REPLY
2 replies
deev | @deev | Oct 25, 2016
In reply to @amberpep "Hi all ..... well, I found myself a female Internal Medicine Specialist and I'll see her..." + (show)
@amberpep

Hi all ..... well, I found myself a female Internal Medicine Specialist and I'll see her for the first time in December! Hooray. And, I am going to get copies of everything from now on .... I appreciate that tip. I guess saying "over 2 mountains" does sound funny. I live outside Harrisonburg, VA, right along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Charlottesville is east about 40 min. or "over 2 mountains."
abby

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You might consider contacting the doctor who did the physical before you moved to let him/her know you are running into a delay before you can see a specialist. Ask if you can get a prescription for a month's supply to tide you over.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 26, 2016

@deev A practical suggestion, thanks.

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