Medical Records

[Michaelena]

My thanks to all who have been so supportive, this is a great site. Here goes my latest question, I hope it is not too dumb. I would like to get a copy of ALL my medical records, but I am not sure how to do this. Recently, for a second opinion I received copies of my records from my cardiologist, (I made copies for my records). Not all of the information was there as I found out when I interviewed a surgeon for my forthcoming valve surgery; I learned that before the valve surgery can be done, my corotid was moderately blocked and that this would have resolved, I did recall a couple years back having this test, but my cardiologist said that all was well, I wonder now what else was missing. Any suggestions on where I should start, and are the doctors legally required to provide this information, I would be willing to pay.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions and/or advice.

 

[perrybucsdad]

I worked with a great nurse a few years back with my cardiologist and he was able to track down all of my records with the hospital, at no cost.

Now, this is not normally the case, but I believe if you call the records department of the hospital, they will send you the forms that you will need to fill out, provide some sort of ID and let you know the fee schedule.

If it's a private Dr's office, it's a bit easier as you just ask your physician. I did this when I had to change primary care docs. It cost me $25 for all my records, but I bet it cost them more than that for all the copies.

Best of luck.

- John

 

[Ross]

About all you can do is try to request specific parts rather then all of your records. Example, exam notes for your last visit, echo reports, surgical operative report, etc. Seldom will you get your entire record even if requested, but I do believe PA has a law such as Ohio where your records must be shown to you on demand and copies made if desired, but they may charge to do it.

 

[Yaps]

Thomas hospital told me mine would be 200 $ or more, it was for ss, and to let them pay..so I did ,my cardio, pulmonologist & gp all were free the hospitals were huge though that I know..

 

[nia]

The two hospitals that I've been to both had an office solely for handling medical records. I asked the front desk where I could get a copy of my medical records, and the receptionist directed me to where I had to go. The staff was all very nice and helpful. I don't remember about the first hospital, but the second hospital charged 75 cents/page plus shipping. There, I actually requested a single sheet of the discharge summary, though few weeks later, I got my entire medical records EXCEPT for the discharge summary in the mail... Was charged about $50.

 

[Barry]

You can check out the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services for details (they're on the 'net, should be easy to find), but...

Federal law, HIPAA, now addresses this. They're required to give you access to your entire medical record and can charge you no more than reasonable photocopy expenses for them. There are few exceptions; psychotherapy notes are one - they don't have to give those to you.