Some health systems make the process for a patient to recieve their own records onerous. I had a PetScan back in August which has led to a quandary over is it or isn't it lung cancer. To get a copy of the actual scan imgaery I have to jump through the hoops of sending a "cd" and waiting for them to download it and send it to me in their own sweet time. Fortunately a regional health system which has a top notch cancer center where I've since switched for health care has some sort of shared/mutual aid agreement and they have the imagery.

clearly when $$ is part of the prescription patients are on their own.