Am I entitled to see a copy of any medical reports my doctor writes about me?

Question

My GP was recently requested to complete a form for the Disability Living Allowance Unit, regarding my health. As it seems to be 'inaccurate' (only registered with this doctor 6 months ago) I requested a copy (verbally) from my doctor so I could see exactly what it said. The doctor/receptionist said "no" I could not!
I know I can make a data access request under the DP Act etc, but would be a lot simpler if they would just comply and save time etc? Is this right??

Answer 1

Yes you are entitled to see your own medical records but you may have to go through the propper channels to get them.

Answer 2

While you are entitled to know your results and diagnosis, in Australia at least, the medical records are owned by the doctor or clinic/hospital that treat you. The doctors, nurses and therapists wrote them, it is their diary/book on your case. They keep them for learning and teaching other 'new' doctors. Of course if you were changing states or moving overseas you would get your medical records file, or at least a copy of it that has test results of all types and diagnoses and reports on your condition at each visit or hospital stay. A possible reason they may not want you to have the file is because patients can misconstrue entries or imagine their condition is a lot worse, if they were to read it and not have various entries explained to them by the author. Not being able to naturally have babies is a very emotionally thing and the staff may sense that you are anxious and are keeping quiet so as not to say something that may offend you. They may have written similar notes in your medical file. Next time you have an appointment with your specialist doctor, explain your feelings to him/her in an objective manner ask them if you may have a copy of your results. Tell them you have some knowledge of the procedures done, however you would like more explanation and reassurance than you have received previously.

Answer 3

While you are entitled to view to your records, there is a process you have to follow. A patient can't view the chart a in the hospital room but you can request a copy if you are admitted as a patient with the assistance of the patient rep. and the social worker. Other wise when you are discharged you can request a copy through medical records. There is a standard medical release of information form that you have to fill out and sign for the copies, and a fee for the printing... But if you go to your previous Primary care physician they can request the copy for you and have it faxed to their office free of charge with your consent.
This doctor must not agree with your case and may have wrote something that is not beneficial to your allowance. He does not have to show you what he wrote at the time but you are entitled to view it once an official request has been made. Basically he knows what he wrote will affect your allowance and he didn't want you to react in front of him....
But any doctor can request a copy of your records so if you know another doctor they can do it for you. you can call it a second opinion request....

Answer 4

Yes your dotor is supposed to supply you with that information if you request it as long as it is about you and not some one else.
If it is your medical records that you are requesting then it is not convidental because it is about you they are suppose to turn those record over to you if you request them.
If need be you can always get a court order for this request.
But you are very right it would be simplier if they would just comply without you having to go through legal means of see what was said about you in a medical report.

Answer 5

I would tell the doctor that he/she has 2 choices. Either they immediately give you a copy of your full medical reports or you'll make a DP request for every single piece of correspondence containing your name for the last 7 years.

Tell them that includes all emails, memos, letters, saved voice mails, audio notes etc. in addition to your medical file.

The DP request would take them forever, so they'll cave in and give you a copy of your records to avoid the hard work.

Answer 6

You have the right to see all your medical notes but you would need to make a formal request to see them. You may not be able to see things written by a third party without their permission but you should be able to see the report your gp has written. You should contact the Patient Advice and Liaison (PALS) service at your local PCT

Answer 7

Legally you have the right to review your records, but the medical clinic has up to 30 days to give them to you. It might do you good to look up the HIPPA laws, as they outline what the clinic can and cannot do with your records, AND who to go to if you are having problems with them. Also, you can request a privacy policy from the clinic (which is mandatory upon request) to make sure that their policy adheres to HIPPA.

Answer 8

You were within your rights to view this form to make sure you agreed with its contents before it was submitted to the DLA. You are entitiled to view your doctors notes at any time.

Answer 9

Yes you can. You should be able to get them in person, but you could also write a letter to them.

Also try writing to your Primary Care Trust.

Information can be found in pdf link below.

Answer 10

Under govt regs you are now entitled to see your medical records