My four year old daughter has an appointment with her third new neurologist in San Antonio on Monday. Here is my problem. I have filed out the paper to release information and faxed it back to the fax number on the sheet I got from them. Then I call a week later to see why I don't have her records yet and it will cost me $0.90 a page and there is at least 85 pages. The first neuro lost the dvd/cd of all of her ct's, mri's, eeg's etc. Gave me three pieces of paper and said that's all they had in her chart. Then I saw her chart and it was just about four inches thick.
I called the hospital in ft.worth and told them I wanted everything to be sent to my daughters pediatrician's office (the one that referred her to them in Ft.Worth) and the record lady from their called my daughters pediatricians office and said since she doesn't have an appointment there on Monday that she can't send them there. I filled out the paper to have them released a week ago and was never told it was going to cost over $100.00 almost $200.00. Aren't they suppose to give the information back to the referring doctor also?
Is it just me or does it seem that somebodys trying to hide something? any other suggestions on how to get her records by this Friday!
God Bless!
B.S.
After I had refaxed everything to have them released the first time was May 29th, 2007. I talked to the same girl who just gave me the run around and would not send the files to the pediatrician that referred her to the dctor in FT. Worth I got a hold of the supervisor sh3e looked into it and after I asked if I needed to get a lawyer or what she faxed it to the pediatrician within 20 minutes. Thank-you everybody. I will keep everything in mind in case of a next time. I t does still make me think they are hiding something!
I'd contact the new dr. and have them request the records (instead of you.) I used to work in a dr. office and it seems like other offices respond better to other drs vs. patients. Good luck
Threaten to have your "attorney" handle it for you-if the other thing that girl mentioned doesn't work. It should though and it is your new doctor's job to get those.
Oh my goodness. I am soo sorry to hear of your troubles. I had a similar situation with my children's old dr office not faxing records after my sending authorization requests numerous times. I know som eoffices won't release recirds without your prior consent & some WILL.
I would try contacting the new office, tell them of the problem, & hope they can help.
I have been told by new dr office that it is considered a "courtesy" for office to provide new dr with copies (fax) of records.
Best of luck. Please let us know how it turns out. I will be going through this again soon with a move & love to know the "secret" to getting records to new drs.
I agree with Kelly. It just seems like Docots have a problem give patient medical records. I had the same problem getting my sons shot record. I just don't understand why they have to be so busy or whatever.
Good Luck and God Bless.
For before Friday, whatever method you use, ensure that the information is sent to YOU directly. Then you can provide the specialist with a COPY, and you will still have control of the document. I know time is short - I would call the supervisor and demand to know "why this is not happening, and do you need to seek legal counsel (since there appears to obstruction on their part) to get it done???" They might let you schedule a time to review the file from the doctor's office with an appointment, and if they do, count pages!
This also sounds fishy to me - I had a problem getting my kid's records from the hospital regarding his birth, because of potential information for a lawsuit. I pushed and got with the hospital administrator about it and it got done. I never did have to use the informatoin - my son had no developmental delays, and is fine at 5yrs.
I think that since you are requesting directly they might give you a discount, but probably not if that is their standard fee. However, if you mention that very little of the file is being copied for the Drs. and get loud and very firm (when appropriate) they might not charge you for those pages. Insist on getting with the supervisor and make an appointment for a file review, or if you can't get there try having the supervisor count pages to you over the phone. These are your child's records, and as the 'custodial' parent you have a right to a complete copy of the file.
Good luck and best wishes.
L.
I feel for you. If you have a good relationship with your pediatrician's office, I'd call them and see what they recommend. I'd also call patient relations at the hospital (it's like their customer service department) and let them know what you need the records for, and the problems that you're having. It is within the hospital's power to waive the per page fee - especially the first time - and imho the doctor's office who lost the cd should replace it.
S.
That is so frustrating! I've been told that it would cost me for copies as well. I just had the doctors office request the copies and it was not a problem (and did not cost me anything).
For future reference, though, you should get copies for yourself. Once everything is in the hands of your new doc you should ask if you can make copies yourself or have them make copies for you.
Hey E.,
I used to work for a medical insurance company & we had members & even myself with this same issue.
Don't know if you have insurance or not but if you do...speak to customer service & ask that their provider services rep get involved with the issue. Most contracts that dr's sign with insurance companies specifically state that the DR MUST send over records & CAN NOT charge the receiveing DR or the member.
AND YES threatening a lawsuit and or media attention (Trouble shooters) will also aid in getting this issue resolved.
