Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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tinaunger50 04/19/2012

I called my reg dr earlier in the week to ask for new updated medical info on my exray and bloodwork to take to new Rheumy Monday, well of course it wasent done so I had to wait for an hour and a half for someone to assist me. no problem, Im just happy to get them and not half to drive across town to get them from old Rheumy. I explined what I needed and 10 minutes later I get 25 pieces of paper on my medical records, then she says 25.00 for the charge. I expected some fee but 25.00? antway no complaints , got in the car and seen all the paperwork was from there, nothing about my R.a from old Rheumy! they even copied receipts where I had paid and it was all from 2010 and 2011. Im alittle pissed by this point, went back in and tell them I received wrong paperwork and again explained what I needed. they tell me at that point, they cant give out that info from other Drs....then why dident you tell me that before you ran my debit card for 25.00? I went on to say...my medical records are mine and I had them sent here for the Dr to observe(which she dident even know what records or where.)and for my records as well. they did not want to give my money back and gave me 5 lousy more papers on Rheumys diagnoses and sent me on my way. now Im ready to look for a new family Dr. is it me? Im so frustrated from all these Drs that are not cummunicating or just dont care !! Im ready to scream...the sad part is I dont have a choice but to need them. thanks for letting me vent. if Im wrong on any of this...please let me know. thank you

deleted_user 04/19/2012

Those are your medical records in my opinion. I have never been charged. Yes $25 is a bit much even if they were correct!

aggie83 04/19/2012

Only time I was ever charged was when i had 20 years worth copies... over 100 pages (ob gyn). I don't think you are being ridiculous. I've been looking for a 'regular' doc for about two years. Sigh. At least I have a rheum.

bcatz 04/19/2012

I wish you were both closer...my sister is an excellent family practitioner, but she's in Temple.

Tina, that stuff you went through is crazy! Does the doctor know her office staff did all this?

deleted_user 04/20/2012

It sounds like you might need a new Doc. They could have just faxed them to your Rheumatologist and saved you the trouble. The two doctors should really be working with each other, not against each other.

deleted_user 04/20/2012

Some offices do charge, but 25.00 is a lot to fail to mention. Most new drs call the old dr and get charts, so I don't know why they had you do it. However, if you want a copy of your chart it is yours. If you want to fight, call or go back and ask to speak to the office manager and ask her if about it. If you get no where, ask to speak to the nurse, then move up to the doctor He may not be aware of this policy, but he should know that your records are yours

deleted_user 04/20/2012

Very frustrating, it's not you. I've found with my doctors and i've switched because of poor treatment but they all treat you like a slab of meat.
Sue

tootsiesmom 04/20/2012

Tina,
I was told that not providing other doctors records in the norm. My Surgeon asked for an op report from years ago. I told him that I had all of my records transferred from my prior doctor and he should have them. He informed me that they weren't allowed to send that part of my file over. I had to get ahold of a doc from out of state and 5 years ago to get the files sent to him.
I hope you are feeling better.
Kim

deleted_user 04/20/2012

It sounds to me like maybe the ressesion is taking a toll on your GP, which is sad. Dr's shouldn't be in this business for money, you know. If he's so greedy as to charge for records, then I would find one that cared about me, not my money.

As to why you didn't get all the papers. As frustrating as things may get, we do have to remember that this world is wrapped with insane amounts of red tape. There are so many restrictions and limitations it's mind boggeling.

Again though, I would probably find a new doctor.
-Tanya

tinaunger50 04/20/2012

Thank you everybody, I was beginning to wonder if I was just being too picky ! oh and yes the Dr was back and forth, I even said hi while discussing with the secretary about the wrong paperwork and the price ! no worrys..new everything I guess, Ill keep going till I find some decent Drs out there. might have to drive farther but its worth it, this is my life in theire hands ! the pulmonoligist has been great but hes been in practice for 43 yrs, puts him in his 60s? hope he dont retire soon. thanks bunches for your feedback ! Hugs Tina

deleted_user 04/21/2012

My doctors and dentist both charge 1.00 per page for any records that I ask for... PCP would not transfer my records directly to my r.a. doc as they had (ready for this one) substance abuse on the top of the page... HUH ???? WHAT ???? I was so p.o.'ed I asked what the heck she was talking about... The answer was...Oh I'm sorry but you are a substance abuser" My question was "what substance abuse" She finally said "well I mean, you smoke". I was going to ask if it would say I was an alcoholic if I had a beer on the weekend. but thought better of it I didn't want to give her anymore ideas...... It does get madding at times.. They have the upper hand and there is not much we can do about it..

deleted_user 04/21/2012

And NO I do not smoke anymore....It will be 8 years June 24th.. at 6:15 pm .but who is counting

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