COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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Medical Records

towngirl2
towngirl2
HI, all! I made my first ever request for a copy of my latest PFT test. The receptionist first said I would have to get it from the Pulmonologist. I had already called them, and they said I had to get it from the requesting physician. I told her what they said, and she said I don't think that is right! So I asked her to check. She came back to the phone, and said we have to charge a $25 handling fee and $5 per page. At that point, I kind of lost it and said I don't think so! These are my records, that just happen to be on file at this office! And I am entitled to a copy of the entire file if I want it! She checked again, and came back and asked if I wanted to pick it up? I just said please mail. Have any of you had a problem with this? Was I out of line?

Thanks!
Towngirl2 aka Lynne
deegran
deegran
I don't think you were out of line. I thought it was against privacy policies to mail stuff like that? I could be wrong and hey, if they mailed it to you then yay!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Not out of line at all. I've told everyone from techs to clinic directors I get copies of any tests I get done. I've only threatened a lawsuit once. They find it easier to cave in than get their names splattered all over a small community painted as insufferably arrogant assholes - that also will be found culpable in a court of law...

Hugs,
Dennis
For reference: http://www.medicalrecords.com/consumers/how-do-i-access-my-medical-records
Imarighter
Imarighter
Not out of line at all, Lynne. From what I've experienced, it seems a lot of people don't bother to ask for their records so office staff don't realize that we have a right to those records. We just have to be firm and insistent, which you were. Good for you!
boldprint
boldprint
No, you were not out of line! When I called and asked for the results of my PFT, the woman said, "Would you like to pick it up or shall I mail it to you?"
grannie
grannie
You paid for the test....they are yours. My Doc gives me a copy, I don't have to ask.
bjrapp2020
bjrapp2020
You were not out of line, you were well with in your rights. A lot of folks don,t ask for their records because they are afraid it will cost a lot, like that lady tried to do with you. The only problem I had at the big Scott and White hospital, where all the records are kept, is that no one knew anything!! One said go to medical records, one said go to the doctors office, and one said go to some other office.
You did good
Brenda
towngirl2
towngirl2
Thanks, all! I got it in the mail Saturday, the next day! Yay! Now to decipher it! Lol!
debib399
debib399
You did good. I worked in medical records for years and patients have a right to their records. There is a fee and my state is .50 per page for the first 50 pages then .25 after that. We released records to the Dr.s for free. The facility I worked at said the patient could only see their records with a nurse or dr. because they wouldn't understand. Wrong the patient has a right and I never denied records to any patient. Glad to got them, good for standing your ground.
jarca
jarca
you go girl!!!
yes, we have the right to our records & i get a copy of mine for all i do.
glad you stood up for yourself!!!
GrayParrot
GrayParrot
No, you were not out of line at all!
You are right, these are your records.
Good for you for standing up to them.
I had to pay a fee to have my entire two charts moved across state to another county, but to have a copy of FEV tests should not have any fee. OK, maybe 25 cents a page? :o) But, $25, no way.
Take care,
Linda In CA
deleted_user
deleted_user
Lynne, You were CLEARLY NOT out of line. I have had that same issue with a doctor here, and pretty much exploded (though I was probably worst than you). And I ended up with the same net result as you did. You probably lost it in a lady like fashion, where I lost it like a sailor LOL LOL. I am sure they are glad they dealt with you as did, and not have the likes of me "losing it" LOL LOL You did good. Have a great day! -- Bill
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi!
I'm glad that you managed to get your records eventually! It is so important that we have his data.

Just wanted to chime in and say that I am part of the a team of people who suffer from complex medical conditions (or care for people who do), and we joined to build a tool to help people like us manage their medical records once they get them.

All your records are sorted by type and date for easy access, and you can add notes so that you will not forget to ask your doctor all the important questions in the meeting.

It's called Hello Doctor, and it is an iPad app: http://goo.gl/9VMZKZ

Cheers :)
joany
joany
The internet has helped a lot with us becoming knowledgeable especially when it comes to our health. I had earlier come across the rules re: med. records - out of line, you're not. What's sad are support people who remain clueless - either because they are not updated or they don't care.

..thought just crossed my mind - what are people doing who choose to stay away from any type of online access. I know a senior citizen who is saving his money for the hereafter; consequently no technology. So sad.

People with COPD and no computer???? Not sure why I got on this soap box today. Must've had trouble logging on in my dreams.
LilEllie
LilEllie
There is a new system that some doctors are using called "Patient Portal." You use a password to get access to your files. I have a couple of doctors that are on it but it is new and they are slow to get things online.

There are times that employee turnover in the doctors' office causes a lack of knowledge about our records but just tell them that the law allows you copies of anything in your records and they usually get them for you.
higginsp
higginsp
I'm so glad to read all this! I never knew that I could request my PFT results! I have a PFT coming up in March and you better believe I'm going to request them! Thanks for the info!