can i request all my medical history from my doctors and get copies?

Answer 1

Simple answer is yes, everyone has a right under the Data Protection Act 1998, it came into effect in March 2000 and superceded previous legislation e.g. Access to Health Records Act 1990. It covers lots of other information that is stored on us as well

There are costs involved for administration, copying and postage

There are some very limited restrictions i.e. if a healthcare professional believes that disclosure of information from the record would be likely to place someone at risk, e.g. if an entry in the record identified a third party as someone who may have given information to the authorites and it was believed that they would be at risk if that information was available to the person who is gaining access then that piece of information can be withheld

A comprehensive guide is available at the DOH address below

Answer 2

If you are in the UK...Yes U can providing you put it in writing so the responsibility lies on your head once the copies are in your possession.

When requesting for copies apply these words; Under the Freedom of Information Act January 1, 2005
I request copies of said notes, you may have to pay for this service.

Answer 3

You have the right as a patient to look at your records, copy them, etc. They are your records. In fact, the only way a doctor can share his records with any one else other than you is if you sign documents agreeing that the physician can share the information.

Whenever I have a x-ray or any type of exam, I get my copy probably before my physician does because I feel out the proper documents and they (radiology, lab, whatever) has to give me a copy of that test. I have found that to be so useful because I can look up the information myself and not have to wait for a doctor to explain it to me, plus the fact I am knowledgeable when he does get around to telling me what the results are.

By the way, I don't think I have ever paid for any information from the radiology department, etc. I noticed that several people indicated they had to pay a fee for the information, but as far as I know you HAVE THE RIGHT to your own exams.

Thank you.
Jo

Answer 4

It's not a matter of you may have to pay for copies of your medical records. You WILL have to pay for copies. You will also have to request that you be allowed to see them, by letter or by email. The doctor has 21 days before s/he would normally allow a patient to see these records, but exceptions can be made. i.e. obtaining further information. S/he's allowed to go through them and omit anything that may cause you to react in an 'uncertain' way. That is, you may become violent toward him/her, you may become violent to a third party who passed on information to him/her about you.

Answer 5

You can, but they have the option of charging you for the copies if they choose. Most doctors will supply a copy free of charge to another doctor as a professional courtesy. If that's what you need, have your new doctor request it.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

I work in a surgeon's office in NY and our procedure is as follows (and most offices follow similar guidelines)
The patient needs to make a clear written request (verbal requests violate HIPPA privacy laws) detailing how and to whom the records are to be distributed. Then in our office we do not charge for records, since it is a patient's right under law to obtain them, but we do ask for 24 hours notice.

Answer 8

Basically, yes you can, but you normally have to request this in writing.

Answer 9

Yeah! and it's fascinating what they've said about you in the past! It's almost like somebody else's records!!1

Answer 10

absolutley! although, they're going to make you jump through hoops and they'll most likely charge you if it's for personal use...if you want your records so you can switch doctors, they can get your records to your new doctor (and they probably won't charge you as much, if anything at all)