what to do






 

Question by  haggis (15)

What can I do about the doctor who refuses to release my medical records?

I am entitled to my records aren't I?

 
+8

Answer by  malone (4817)

Your doctor must release your medical records to you, provided that your account is in good standing. If you owe him money, he can withhold the records. If you want to release the records to a third party, you must have a signed/dated release on file.

Reply by deda13 (1):
The HIPA law states that the doctor can not refuse your request due to an unpaid balance.  add a comment
posted by Anonymous
Malone is Wrong! The doc cant refuse, even 4 outstanding bal.  add a comment
 
+8

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

They are your medical records, not his. There may be a legitimate payment for the cost of copying the medical records. If the doctor refuses to release your medical records, contact the state Medical Board and the Better Business Bureau. As a last case resort, ask another doctor to request the records and then give them to you.

posted by Anonymous
@Tamara is wrong. The records belong to the doc U R only entitled to copies.  add a comment
 
+7

Answer by  John (9008)

You are entitled to your records. You can either sue him or report him to the state medical association, which may take disciplinary action against him.

 
+7

Answer by  Gabriel (2146)

By law, you have the right to your medical records. If your doctor is refusing, there are steps you can take in most states to force compliance. The first step is to make your request in writing, and then continue to keep documentation. Contact your state attorney generals office for steps you can take in your particular state from there.

 
+5

Answer by  NurseB (513)

You are entitled to your records as long as your account is paid in full. Request a release of information, releassing the information to you, signed, in person. They will not give you the runaround as much as calling or writing. They won't want people in the office to know.

posted by Anonymous
NurseB comment is BS. The law specifically states a health care provider CAN NOT refuse to release your records due to any pending balance. So your acct makes no difference what do ever.  add a comment
posted by Anonymous
@NurseB Again wrong ans. Med records MUST be released regardless of acct bal.  add a comment
 
+4

Answer by  cannonball (111)

You more than likely signed documents stating that you would or would not like your records released when you first started seeing your doctor. Review those documents to see exactly what you signed. Take your paperwork to an attorney, he will have the records released to you.

posted by Anonymous
Your rights to receive your med records R protected by law. If U want your records released to U or anyone else U can always do so. However, a Doc can demand that U make your request in writing  add a comment
 
+0

Answer by  johnamaxon (0)

What can I do if my doctors won't release records to excuse my days off? My SSI caseworker? My Disability claim manager? or anyone who requests them. Is this legal? My wife lost her job because he would not send the doctor's statement. What can I do?

 
+0

Answer by  leah1234 (0)

Do not go to the Medical Board it's the good old boys club. Do yourself a favor and learn to write out a complaint and go to court and sue him for interfering in your treatment and pain and suffing.

posted by Anonymous
A court will more likely require U to go thru the med bd 1st. U must exhaust all reasonable option b4 going to court.  add a comment
 
+0

Answer by  bghal (0)

sent my doctor a reg letter asking for my records and no reply at all what is my next step

posted by Anonymous
Keep that letter and return receipt. Next contact the state med bd in the state the Doc practices and file a formal complaint. Be patient it can still take months but U will get them.  add a comment
 
+0

Answer by  Anonymous

This is a common fallacy. A doctor does not have to release medical info to anyone. If he feels the medical info could be dangerous to the pt. then he can withhold the info. This freedom of info is just a big smoke screen. Read the law directly!

posted by Anonymous
@Anonymous True, however the doc must back up his claim in writing. He can not simply ignore the request. So the doc would have to substantiate his claim in writing while being subect to 3rd party review  add a comment
 
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