Do I have to authorize docs to get my own records?

[minkeygirl]

I'm trying to get a copy of some labs and the docs office said i had to sign a release to get a copy of my own lab results.

I don't think I've ever done that before and I"m wondering if they know what they are talking about.

Thanks

Now they tell me they won't get me a copy of the labs until the doctor has discussed them with me (apparently there is a lot to go over (immunologist) which makes it even more important for me to have them so I can look at the them while she goes over them.

Dumb.

 

[Seven7]

Yes, some make you sign a open release every year when you update your info, some you have to do it every time unless they are in the same Chain, then is ok they will access it.

I have my online so I can print to PDF and I can send myself wherever I want. My Dr office has a register online and you can access your own records (Carilion)

 

[minkeygirl]

This office has no online system so there is no way. I never had to sign a release to get my own labs. They will send them to me, but not until the doctor has gone over them.

I want to have a copy to refer to as she goes over stuff so I can make notes and now what she is talking about. I don't think that's too much to ask for.

 

[WillowJ]

Yes, it's normal in the US to have to sign a release to get your records. Once the release is signed, there should usually be no problem with sending you a copy.

However, some docs do prefer to go over your results with you, especially if there is something abnormal and they think 1) patients tend to panic when they think it's pretty normal and you shouldn't worry or 2) it is acutally a cause for concern and they don't want you looking at it without a doctor around to tell you what they can do for you

Can you phone the office and ask if you will get a copy in hand to refer to at the time you go in (as opposed to only getting a copy afterwords)?

 

[minkeygirl]

I believe I said in my posts that I asked and they said no. It's idiotic on their part to want to go over labs without me having a copy to refer to and make notes on.

She is clueless about ME/CFS and ran labs on my insistence. I think it's ego vs. me worrying. Hell if they didn't want me to worry then why tell me "Oh the doctor has a lot to go over with you" vs "The doc'll call you Monday because we got your labs back".

They're the ones that said stuff to freak me out. I"m not impressed with that office al all.