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What should I do?

pford
pford
I went out on disability as a result of my Rheum telling me that this was the worst case of fibro that she ever saw and recommended that I go on disability. She filled out all the paper work in request for FMLA and the initial request made by the insurance company and then proceeded to tell me that she had done all she could and couldn't help any further. After refusing to accept repeated phone calls from me and the insurance co I got a copy of my records and went to another physician. I was straight forward with the physician telling her that I was in the midst of filing for disability and I had been dumped by my other doctor and that I didn't expect her to make any recommendations but all I needed was for her to submit her notes from office visits and test results. Now after 4 weeks of repeated requests she has not complied with my requests refusing to release the records to me or the insurance company. She has agreed to my requests for refills of my meds but for some unknown reason will not fax the notes and test results to the insurance company. I am now at the end of my FMLA and going into my 3rd week of discretionary medical leave. My job will not make an accommodation by reducing me to part-time status but will only accept me back at full time status (something that will be impossible for me to do). I am ready to jump off a cliff someone please give me some advice?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Most doctors charge a fee for your records now days. You need to go in there and talk to the office manager and put your request for your records in writing to take with you. They have to proved them by law.

Also, my own Rhuemy signed my paperwork but also told me that the doctors in the practice were not allowed to testify in any court proceedings. So maybe that is what your Rhuemy is now afraid this will lead to? Those rules make it really hard for us.

Good luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
I suggest getting a disability lawyer and apply for full Soc Sec Disability. They will request the records and will not charge you for anyhing until you win your case. They have to provide you with your records but your employer and SS will usually not accept them from the patient in the event they could have been altered.

I had purchased long term disability when I started at my last employer but because I had tendonitis previous to that I was denied as they said it was a pre-exhisting condition. I did not think I could fight that so had to get assistance for my medical through the county and start the process of applying for Soc Sec.

Good luck and sorry you are having such a difficult time.
pford
pford
I have but the office staff can't give them to me without her signature and she, for some reason, refuses to release them. I can't afford to make her made and be out of a doctor right now. Uhhhh!!!
couggenny
couggenny
I recommend the same and if u do go down to the medical office and office manager u can always get insistent about it. After all they are your medical records and u have a right to them. If your medical doctor is part of a bigger company/conglomerate/whathaveu you can always go over the doctor and office managers' heads also and request your records and test results from the company. U can also say u r doing this in order to "End your service with this doctor".
deleted_user
deleted_user
That's true. My doctor's office has a separate office/division for records and they give them to you on DVD anytime you ask.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Know doctors many times do not like to get involved in disability issues. Not sure what the reasons are but am surprised they have not complied with the insurance companies requests.

I had a attorney handle my disability and signed release of information papers so they could attain what was needed from my doctors. I know they sent paperwork to each of my doctors for their medical opinions on my ability to work and was no problem getting them to comply with the requests.

The only thing can think of is you can request all the doctors notes and medical records right from medical records and you have a right to them. I was never charged for copies but know others have been not sure why that is.

I am sorry U are going through all this and hope things work out for you and can get this taken care of. Know how frustrating and stressful this stuff can be.


take care
gentle hugs
pford
pford
I must be seeing the wrong doc's for all of them have been very "sensitive" when it comes to their notes. Wish I could change but I am in a very precarious position right now and I'm so tired of fighting for everything even the strength to keep getting up every day. I was unable to find a lawyer to handle the disability insurance process. They'll take on Social Security but not the insurance companies which pay more, not sure what's going on here. I appreciate all of the support and encouragement. Please pray that a resolution comes soon. I am the only one in my household and can't live without an income :P)
PeaceN2You
PeaceN2You
Your doctor(s) is in violation of federal law - you have a right to those records as they are YOUR records.

They are permitted to charge you a fee for making copies but they cannot by law withhold them from you, and must also disclose them to anyone else at your request.

Most patients don't know the law and many doctors and medical office professionals seem to count on that.

Make the request in writing and give them a deadline - I'm betting you'll get them.
4solace
4solace
YDLS and Peace are right. It is a violation of federal law. I like Peace's advice on notifying them in writing and setting time limit. Wish I had thought of that! I ended up going to the office and stood in front of the counter and told his staff that I was not moving until I received my records. I then proceeded to tell everyone in the waiting room that I had been trying for 9 months to get my records.....and afew of them took up for me. I usually avoid confrontation, but I was at my wits end and sooooo done with it! Took them all of 10 minutes to print out my records from the computer.......they just wanted to shut me up. Squeky wheel gets the grease! Good luck!
Tonna
Fantod
Fantod
I'd give them a deadline in writing. And, I'd also follow up in writing to your insurance company about both doctors refusing to give you your medical records. And, I'd also file a complaint with the attorney general office of your state. It is a violation of federal law. Good luck and take care.
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