I have a broken foot, with no insurance. The Dr. did not put me in a cast, he put me in a little aircast thing and told me it was mostly a bad sprain. And he did not even show me my x-rays???
2007-01-05 02:04:57 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
I know its broken, because, I went to snother Dr. for a second opinion, and he showed me the x-rays, and told me it was broken. and the hospital too said it was broken.
2007-01-05 02:12:40 · update #1
You have aright to your medical records. Did you ask to see these x-rays. If you did and he refused, then there may be a problem. You can request the records form this doctor, but it may take a few days to get them after the request, you may have to pay a fee to the office to receive them, you would have to go to the office and sign a records release to legally get them. You can also do the same with the radiology department where you have the x-rays done. You will probably receive the x-rays on disk, as they keep the originals. Also as for a copy of the radiologist report. Chances are the doctor formed his opinion from that report. Bottom line, you hire a doctor to treat you, but you do have a right to access your records, but the doctor legally owns the records, and it is at his digression on which records he gives you...or copies I may say. You can also request (sign a release) for your records to be transferred to another doctor's office. Good Luck
2007-01-05 03:01:14 · answer #1 · answered by catywhumpass 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doctors don't usually share x-rays. You could ask to see them, but they are not required to show you without a request . Messed up, I know, but that's the way it is.
As far as your foot being "broken, but mostly a bad sprain"...that makes sense. There are a lot of ligaments and very small bones that cannot be set or operated on if they are torn or broken. Your foot needs stability, which the aircast provides. A cast provides support for long bones to knit properly. Just use the cast like you're instructed, and you'll be fine. Honestly, I don't think the lack of insurance has anything to do with it. It's just the type of injury you have, and the treatment that's called for. Good Luck and Blessings
2007-01-05 02:17:50 · answer #2 · answered by Silverwolf 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a communication problem. There is no way to tell for sure yourself whether you have a broken foot unless the doctor shows you the es rays. If he took ex rays you have a right to see them and ask him about them. it is your right as a patient and as a human being. I will say this though. I badly sprained my ankle twice in one night. I did not break my ankle or leg but was still put in a cast. Later I had to wear a air cast for 6 months to strengthen the muscles ex. It felt broken big time. The pain was excruciating but it was only a sprain. For some reason many people think a sprain is not as bad a s a break but they are not correct. It hurts either way, sometimes even worse......So........ask to see your ex rays and next time be aware that it is your right and the doctor's responsibility to inform you of your treatment and diagnosis. I am a Canadian gal though and our health care is different here. But over all...................I would ask to see the ex rays and/or get a second opinion, if you can afford it.......educate me on the health care out there. I am curious to know a bit more. When you have time and/or if you like.
2007-01-05 02:13:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Kems,
Sorry about your poor foot. Also about your lack of insurance.
No, the Dr. doesn't have to show you the x-rays. Some doctors do this routinely, but they don't have to. He does have a legal and ethical responsibility to provide you with the proper treatment for your injury, however.
If your injury is more of a sprain than a fracture, there wouldn't be much to see on the x-ray, anyway.
I think a lot of doctors use aircasts now instead of the old-fashioned plaster casts.
Best wishes to you as you heal!
searcher
2007-01-05 02:24:01 · answer #4 · answered by searcher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An aircast is a cast. It is common for foot injuries. If you want to see your x-ray, ask to see it. If an x-ray was taken, it is on file either in the radiology department of the hospital where you were teeated or in the office of the doctor that treated you. It is not illegal to simply not show you the x-ray. It is illegal to refuse to show it to you.
2007-01-05 02:11:06 · answer #5 · answered by fangtaiyang 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just a guess, but I would say that it depends on whether or not you ASKED to see them. If you have asked and the dr refuses, then I would say that it was illegal as according to the data protection act you have the right to see any data held about you - this includes doctors notes, so I see no reason for it not to include x-rays. I would advise you to ask in writing to see a copy of them, (keep a copy of the letter yourself) and take it from there.
Also, the citizens advice bureau are very helpful with this sort of thing.
All the best xx.
2007-01-05 02:17:23 · answer #6 · answered by Grett 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do you know it was broken? Assuming it was...or even if it was not..an aircast can immobilize the anke enough to allow healing of the bone if nothing has shifted. If you truly have a broken foot ...and not ankle, the aircast wont help. Yes, as a patient you have the right to see all of your medical records, including XR. Did you ask to see them?
2007-01-05 02:10:04 · answer #7 · answered by Kenneth F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not illegal, though Doctors will commonly give you the results of tests when asked. I find that with bloodwork, you do have to ask for it, else you are just told if anything is abnormal. I imagine x-rays are the same way.
BTW, you mentioned no insurance. Has the doctor actually been paid yet? They are usually more responsive to requests if they have, like everybody else.
-Dio
With the extra details you just put in, yes, there appears to have been a problem with that first doctor. You are still talking civil rather than criminal procedings if you pursue it.
2007-01-05 02:21:57 · answer #8 · answered by diogenese19348 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A doctor must explain thoroughly what was happening to the patient. It is a right that must be followed. Regarding the x-ray, the doctor must provide the knowledge on what was happening on your foot. Even without an insurance, everybody deserves equal rights for proper medication.
Seek a second opinion.
2007-01-05 02:09:41 · answer #9 · answered by duntoktomee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How do you know your foot is broken if you have not seen the X-rays? Your doctor had your X-rays assessed and diagnosed a sprain. The medical professionals are better qualified to examine X-rays than you are.
2007-01-05 02:07:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋