[GeoGeo]

I couldn't get my medical records from a doctor's office when I lived in another state. They told me that the records did not belong to me. They said the records belonged to the doctor's office. I don't remember what I had to do, but I had to stir the pot, so to speak. They had taken x-rays of me and were treating me. I got those x-rays and when I showed them to another doctor, he said I didn't have what they said I had.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by GeoGeo

I couldn't get my medical records from a doctor's office when I lived in another state. They told me that the records did not belong to me. They said the records belonged to the doctor's office. I don't remember what I had to do, but I had to stir the pot, so to speak. They had taken x-rays of me and were treating me. I got those x-rays and when I showed them to another doctor, he said I didn't have what they said I had.

They are correct, the records DO NOT belong to you, they belong to the doctor. The doctor is also legally responsible for keeping them for 7 years or transferring them to a new doctor or the patient. They CANNOT withhold the information and you are legally entitled to copies, usually for a copy fee set by law. As far as the x-ray findings go, it is not unusual to have differing opinions. But I very much doubt the original doctor interpreted the x rays wrong, KNEW he was wrong, and then INTENTIONALLY withheld the records. Sounds more like an uninformed or uncooperative staff member.

[applesoffh]

Originally Posted by blueash

456.057(10), Florida Statutes.
https://www.flrules.org/gateway/rule....003&Section=0

When furnishing such copies, a physician may charge as follows:
For patients and governmental entities, the reasonable costs of reproducing copies of written or typed documents or reports shall be no more than $1 per page for the first 25 pages and 25 cents for each additional page. Rule 64B8-10.003, Florida Administrative Code.
For a workers' compensation case, a physician may only charge up to .50 per page for the records and the direct cost for x-rays, microfilm, or other non-paper records. Section 440.13(4)(b), Florida Statutes.
For other entities, the reasonable costs of reproducing copies of written or typed documents or reports shall not be more than $1.00 per page.
Reasonable costs of reproducing x-rays, and such other special kinds of records shall be the actual costs. Rule 64B8-10.003, Florida Administrative Code.

While a physician can condition the release of medical records upon payment of the copying costs, the release cannot be conditioned on payment of the physician's bill for services rendered. Upon the receipt of a written request, the physician must provide the patient with a copy of his medical records within a reasonable time, regardless of whether or not he has outstanding charges due on his account

**************

Just to be clear, the medical records absolutely do not belong to you the patient. They are created and controlled by the doctor or hospital. You have a right to a copy, at a cost. You have a right to make corrections to your record if you believe they are wrong, but they are not yours. You certainly may make your own notes at home after each medical visit about what happened. Those records would be yours.

Good to know! Thanks for doing the research and posting your results. Very helpful, if I should ever need this.

[applesoffh]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

No, we ALL do not. New York state law allows us to charge 75 cents/page for copies. My partners and I have always thought this was crass, so we provide them free of charge

When I moved here from NYC, I obtained records from all the doctors for both my husband and myself, including mammograms. None of the doctors' offices charged me anything, and I was shocked! I was prepared to pay, but it never became necesssary.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by applesoffh

Good to know! Thanks for doing the research and posting your results. Very helpful, if I should ever need this.

Thank you Blueash. That is good to know.

[sbondar]

Yes, had to pay 15 for mine and 25 for my husbands after they told us don't come back anymore after we complained about a procedure!!!