I put in a request for medical records regarding my inpatient stay in October. I didn't even think it would be a big deal. However, when I called and spoke to medical records - they said that the doctor refused to release my records.

Now, first - I didn't think they could do that. That MY records should be accessible to ME. I asked my charge nurse at work, our local DHEC, and various people at the hospital and they all said it seemed a little weird/had not heard of it.

Google suggests that mental health records do not have to be released if the doctor feels that the records would cause a deterioration in mental health state, increase the risk of self harm, or violate someone else's confidentiality. I think that they are denying it based on the first two things, but my question is - what criteria do they use to evaluate whether i'm capable of "handling" my records or not? Especially as we have never done any follow up, etc.

I'm willing to pay for them and go through the proper procedures to get them, but I am NOT willing to accept not having access to my records. As far as i'm concerned - I was there the entire time they were - so I know pretty much what happened/what it should say. My doctor, therapist and I have always included me as a part of my treatment so the fact that they refuse to allow me that right, quite frankly, makes me want it more.

I put in a request for my doctor to request the records for me, waiting on him to respond probably after the holiday.

What are some next steps I can take if they refuse to allow him access/he says no?