2006-07-13 08:23:54 · 17 answers · asked by Gargamel 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Because the hospital needs to keep a copy to cover themselves legally. If you were to come back later and accuse them of something they would have no way to prove their side of the case. Also, if you were to get sick somewhere else, the chances of you having your medical records readily available for the attending physician to review, if needed, are pretty slim. The hospital can notify your old hospital and get copies for them to review.
As to getting your records, you can get copies of everything. You will like likely have to pay a small fee, but nonetheless, you can get them.
2006-07-13 08:29:56 · answer #1 · answered by kathy_is_a_nurse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The record itself is the property of the hospital. The information contained in that record is the property of the patient. There are complex laws having to do with whom has access to that info and under what cicumstances. In a nutshell, you most certainly DO get access to your records, just by asking. But, you must follow the procedure for it.
And there are various levels of access. The best level of access is in the form of a report of findings. For a fee, the doctor summarizes what is in the chart and puts it into a form you can understand. Another level of access might be the chart itself. You don't have a right to the original but you can get a copy, of course, for various reasons. The most common is when you transfer your case to another doctor. This is also done for a fee.
Understand that in most medical systems, the procedures are there to help you, not hinder you....within reason.
2006-07-13 15:32:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because nurses and doctors had promised that they wont tell patient's records very easily. They vowed before they become nurses and doctors. They have to consider first what the result for doing that, is there negative effect for the patient or the families such as heart attack after knowing the fact.
2006-07-13 15:28:53 · answer #3 · answered by jennifer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a law with the acronym HIPPA .. it's a privacy act to protect you or the patient from just anyone asking for and recieving the patient medical information/history. This way your job, or neighbor can't get your medical information/history...
2006-07-13 15:27:37 · answer #4 · answered by sunnyday77 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First they have to make sure it's you that is asking, but most inportantly it's a violation of the Privacy Act of 1974.
In order to get your medical records you have to sign a release of information releasing them to yourself. If someone obtains your medical history after the hospital or doctor's office gives it to you, the release of information they have on file basicly takes the blame off them.
2006-07-13 15:30:10 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because there are to many people involved with fraud. And medical records contain information about you history. I do think that is strange, a person should be allowed to have a copy of their own medical records.
2006-07-13 15:29:04 · answer #6 · answered by scorpieo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
About a year and a half ago a law passed regarding HIPPA, all patients must sign an authorization to recieve a copy of their recs...
If they won't after that, that is illegal.
2006-07-13 15:28:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
patients can get their records if they pay for them and go to the medical records dept and sign a waiver to get them may be a small fee involved
2006-07-13 15:25:02 · answer #8 · answered by Angelfire_160 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need Identification and a small fee. Scam I tell you! So scandalous! The medical system in the states is CRAP and only benefits the rich!
2006-07-13 15:26:16 · answer #9 · answered by coconut 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know, if they are your own personal records, and you are of age and don't have any legal guardian, you should be able to get your records.
2006-07-13 15:27:37 · answer #10 · answered by Linds 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋