Ugh!

nightowlmama · #1 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 03:34 PM

The new OB I'm seeing tomorrow wants my previous records. Of course, that's totally understandable. I want them there, too, so I can finally get the results of my u/s from the end of Nov. and Dec. 26. My DH and I have both tried repeatedly to get them released (he has signed permission) and have gotten nowhere for several weeks now. Today, he had the day off and I was swamped with homeschooling and housework, etc, so he went in there for me (bless his heart) and they just jerked him around more...and then proceeded to inform him that it would be $40 or more to have them sent. (Nice to know THAT now!) Oh...and they'll take 5-7 bus. days (after ignoring our inquiries all of this time). Now, paying to have years worth of records may be one thing, but I only had ONE PN visit there - ONE! However, it was the first one and they have all of my bloodwork, pap results, u/s results, etc. I am so mad! We've never had to pay anything close to that before...nor had to wait like this. Now I just hope I don't have a problem with getting my quad screen done or a big u/s scheduled tomorrow. It's obvious that the lack of communication and denseness that I dealt with through the office included them ALL (even records)!

Ok...done venting.

I'm just worried now that I'll run into more problems at the new office because of this now tomorrow. (Like at the one I tried last week...the nurse literally reprimanded *me* for not having my records that these other people are withholding. At that point, I was just told I'd need to go in and sign for a release...

)

Bella'sMommy · #2 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 05:00 PM

Can your new doctor call there and get your results? I know you would have to give consent, but clearly you have done that. I would be furious. More like pissed off. I hope it all gets taken care of soon. that is something you should not have to worry about.

emuone · #3 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 06:03 PM

Call your new doc and say they aren't available. Or go to the old doc's office and demand to see your records then walk out. They are YOUR records.

You are so getting yanked around

I'm sorry.

heavensabove · #4 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 06:38 PM

Your records, you can get them ANY time you want. Im sorry about the lack of responsibility and professionalism the 'others' have.
I would call and explain your situation to your new dr. Hope they understand. Good luck.

Mommie2Ava&Presley · #5 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 06:45 PM

This is insane!!!! Those are YOUR records. By law you are allowed to get them. You have sent in written requests far enough in advance and now you have gone to the office and asked for them. I can assure you, if my DH would have gone in and asked for them and paid the $$ they requested, he certainly wouldn't have walked out without them. They wouldn't have been able to get them to him and get him out of there fast enough. This makes me want to

and it's not even happening to me.

I would think since you have signed a release at that office and sent in written requests along with phone request (I believe you had said once before), that you should be able to tell the new doc's office how long you've been trying to get these records and see if they could call and get the info that they and you need. If not, I believe I would call them and tell them or better yet go back by there and let them know if they do not hand over your 1 day's worth of records that you will be contacting an attorney because they belong to you.

That's just my

. I hope you don't end up with problems tomorrow because of this one office's incompetence.

Running Mom Ragged · #6 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 05:59 AM

I would demand the records and tell them you are not paying the 40$ because you weren't told that in the beginning. Why should YOU pay for the inconvenience??? Yeah. You have a right to be mad- they need to release your records, and I agree- telling them you are getting an attorney involved usually motivates people! I hope you didn't pay the 40 already! You could always tell the new place that the old place lost your records.

bncbaby03 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 09:51 AM

Oh Melissa.... I feel so bad for you everytime I check in! What is wrong with your state and the offices there? My mom is a nurse and I do know that if a patient has had a hard time getting records sent over, then she will call and request them and tell them " Dr. whoever is waiting for them here in the office". Then they are usually quicker. I would call the new DR today, speak with a receptionist or his nurse, and get them to do preemtive work. I would also tell them briefly the trouble you are having.
Here in GA to have medical records faxed or sent to another office is free. But for personal copies they charge A LOT! And even if you really are picking them up to take with you to the DR, they are allowed to charge you..... everyone takes as much as they can these days!

nightowlmama · #8 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 11:46 AM

Thanks, everyone. I told my DH how awesome you all are and he asked if you were all going to come over, pile in the van with me, and we could go in there and give them a piece of our pregnant minds.

I basically updated in my new, AMAZING OB appt. thread today. We didn't pay the $40. Neither my DH nor I could justify it for one visit...and LOTS of headaches from them. Luckily, this new Dr. wasn't phased in the least and thinks he can get what he needs.

Oh...and while I totally agree that they are MY records, they treat sending them to another Dr. (or lawyer for that matter) as a third party. ?!?!?!? My DH said, with his HIPPA training (he's in healthcare), he learned that medical records are strange -- while they are the patient's records, they're considered the property of the establishment. Of course, that doesn't make it right, but it is what it is... Just thought I'd explain why all of the demanding in the world wouldn't have helped me with those people. They knew they could 'technically' get away with being difficult, so they were living it up, I suppose. Whatever. ADIOS to them!