[ccrown25]

Does anyone know the correct procedure to request your medical records and/or chart/doctors notes from a practice or clinic? I strongly feel that a particular Physicians Assistant at a clinic I go to is delaying or refusing to treat me and blaming it on me saying its "all in your head". Just to be sure, I have gone to an outside doctor who has examined, diagnosed and treated me for the condition I now have and says that the P.A. must have something wrong with their head because this is something any first year med student should see right away. The reason I am concerned about this is because I still have to go to this clinic for insurance purposes and they are still refusing to treat me or reconsider. Im not out "looking for a mistake just so I can sue for malpractice and get money".

I casually asked the receptionist and she kind of laughed at me and said "Im pretty sure we dont do that" to which my response was "Why not, its MY medical file and its MY health!? Why am I not allowed to see what is going on in MY file!?" To which she then kind of shrugged and I dropped the issue. I dont want to have to go to court and subpoena my files but I will if I have to. I have seen TV and movies (I know that is totally unrealistic) and I dont want to end up with an "altered" or "redacted" files.

If anyone can let me know what to do, please help!! Thanks!! :-)

[gayleggg]

As far as I know all you have to do is ask, however, I don't think they are required to give the clinical notes, at least, that's the way it was in the clinic I worked in. You'll have to sign a release form.

[sans]

When I asked for our records to switch dr's, I had to fill out some paper, and was told they would call me when my charts were ready. They also said by law they can take up to 30 days to turn them over to me. About 2 weeks later, they called and told me I could come pick them up.
As far as right there on the spot, asking to read them, I can't imagine why you shouldn't be able to see your own chart.

[Victoria'smom]

They are able to charge you up to $2 a paper. My file was huge and was going to cost a lot but they sent it free to my new clinic. I had to request my file in writing.

[~Christina]

If You want a copy you will be charged. If the new doctor requests them you will not have to pay.

[bfralex]

Originally Posted by ccrown25

Does anyone know the correct procedure to request your medical records and/or chart/doctors notes from a practice or clinic? I strongly feel that a particular Physicians Assistant at a clinic I go to is delaying or refusing to treat me and blaming it on me saying its "all in your head". Just to be sure, I have gone to an outside doctor who has examined, diagnosed and treated me for the condition I now have and says that the P.A. must have something wrong with their head because this is something any first year med student should see right away. The reason I am concerned about this is because I still have to go to this clinic for insurance purposes and they are still refusing to treat me or reconsider. Im not out "looking for a mistake just so I can sue for malpractice and get money".

I casually asked the receptionist and she kind of laughed at me and said "Im pretty sure we dont do that" to which my response was "Why not, its MY medical file and its MY health!? Why am I not allowed to see what is going on in MY file!?" To which she then kind of shrugged and I dropped the issue. I dont want to have to go to court and subpoena my files but I will if I have to. I have seen TV and movies (I know that is totally unrealistic) and I dont want to end up with an "altered" or "redacted" files.

If anyone can let me know what to do, please help!! Thanks!! :-)

Yeah, you're protected by the government on this one. You have the right to request your personal health records because they are protected under HIPPA. (patient privacy act). Usually clinics will have a form you can fill out