I have gone to a dentist and had x-rays taken. My insurance has paid their part and I have paid mine. I would like a 2nd opinion. Instead of having x-rays taken again, I would like to get the ones I have already had taken. Can my dentist legally charge me for the original copies of the x-rays if they have been paid for through insurance? I am assuming that is what insurance has paid for on top of other services. Am I legally entitled to those original copies?
2006-11-08 17:45:18 · 9 answers · asked by icats 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
In most states the doctor 'owns' the xrays and is responsible for maintaining them. The patient has the right to the information contained in the xrays (e.g. a written report and/or a copy of the films). The doctor has the right to charge a reasonable fee to cover expenses for providing copies of the films.
Hope this helps you. Best wishes.
2006-11-08 17:50:32 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The xrays are the property of the doctor. It is doubtful they will hand you the originals. They should not, however charge you more than about five dollars each for copies, unless they have digital, in which case, they should be willing to attach them and send them electronically to whomever you designate.
A better plan would be for you to ask the dentist to send them directly to the other dentist. He should not be reluctant to do so, if he is a good dentist and is confident in his practice.
If you are going to one of the chain dentist offices, they are a racket, and while I know there are probably a few good and honest dentists among their employees, I have found quite the opposite to be true in the few instances I know of people visiting them.
2006-11-08 18:06:15 · answer #2 · answered by finaldx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the cost asked is for the price of copying and transmitting your report. all the report in no longer surpassed on, purely those information that must be smart on your next provider. X-rays are actually not often surpassed on with the aid of fact the time element must be considered. maximum medical doctors won't use an previous x-ray till it particularly is extremely modern-day considering they like to get an precise photograph. Your new healthcare professional could prefer completely diverse perspectives to boot. with a view to respond to your question they could maximum easily value you and that they do no longer ought to provide you the unique x-rays.
2016-10-03 10:54:56 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are planning on purchasing the X-rays from the Dr without return I belive they can charge you for these. Have you considered borrowing them and then returning them to the dentist?
2006-11-08 17:47:28 · answer #4 · answered by geniusflightnurse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe they could perhaps fax the x-rays to your other dentist. I don't think they should be allowed to charge but, if it is their offices policy then, they are allowed to charged you just for the copies only.
2006-11-08 17:50:44 · answer #5 · answered by MagikButterfly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe you are. Why wouldn't you? That sounds like an annoying situation, like maybe someone is trying to cover their ***?!
2006-11-08 17:47:32 · answer #6 · answered by ♥austingirl♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they can....that is their property...your insurance pays for the exrays to be done not to keep the pics......why the second opinion?
2006-11-08 17:48:04 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes your entitled to your own xrays
2006-11-08 17:47:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no
2006-11-08 17:46:49 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋