Looking at hospital medical notes?

Question

When one is admitted into hospital, there is usually a file of your medical notes and history on the table. Are patients allowed to look at this? We were told that it was hospital policy not to allow patients to look at them and that it was also illegal, but that we would have to apply in writing for a copy - but surely it should be a right for the patient to look at their own notes ( - particularly if the doctor hasn't explained the circumstances) ?

Answer 1

You can ask to view them, technically only from the date of the medical records act( though I have never seen anyone bother to apply that limitation.) You will need to be supervised while you look, in case you try to alter or damage them. You can also obtain copies.

Any areas that the doctor feels it is not in your interest to see, he can withhold. (this is also seldom done.)

There is no charge for these activities as such, but you may be asked to pay an administration fee and copying charges.

Answer 2

In the U.K, under the Data Potection Act you have the right to look at any information held about you. This includes medical notes. Although the hospital's personal policy may be that they don't want you looking at your notes, if you demand to see them they can't stop you.

However, some places will make you pay to see them and request a copy, and are legally entitled to do so.

Bear in mind that when you do get a hold of the notes, they'll be written in medical jargon and very difficult to understand. The handwriting will probably be bad too!

If you go back to the hospital and they still refuse to let you see your notes, go to a lawyer, who will be able to sort it out.

Answer 3

if you're referring 2 the NHS,
i've also had arguments with nursing staff, over this.
yes they're your records, yes they're yours 2 look at.
BUT the nursing staff get asked 2 many questions & are disturbed from their jobs, so chances are they'll hide them from you.
because you should only view them in the presents of a doc, 2 explain what all the long-fancy words mean.
the minute you ask them 2 do this, every doc in the Hospital is suddenly busy.
now the notes stay out of patients hands & away from concerned relatives eyes. putting every1 at odds with 1 another but no firm diagnosed or help 4 the patient.

you can always approach a nurse & ask her 2 bring a doc 2 look over your notes with you, but you'll need 2 kick up a fuss 4 them 2 take you seriously.
don't take no 4 an answer.
good luck.

Answer 4

Since the freedom of information act was introduced in 2002, you have the right to view any information held about you, including medical records. However you do have to apply to the NHS in writing, but they are legally obliged to reply to you in 20 working days and they must respond helpfully. Thats the formal way... however it depends on the doctor/hospital. I have been to an outpatients clinic before and requested to read the medical documents that the nurse was holding and she let me... so...

Answer 5

With the use of medical abbreviations and medical terminology, chances are you would not be able to decipher it anyway.

To obtain a copy of your medical records, you must request it in writing and be prepared to pay copying fees. How much that is depends on the hospital.

Answer 6

I was sitting in a wheel chair waiting to to take a chemical stress test, I had my medical folder in my lap and decided to read it along came a doctor and asked what am I doing and that I shouldn't be reading anything in it, I just looked up at him and said, I'm just another one of those crazy viet nam vets, he looked at me and said OK and walked away.
So I really don't think they really want you in your files for whatever reason, maybe they don't you reading the doctors personal notes which are in writing.

By the way I don't want any vets getting mad at me , I really am a viet nam veteran. and we both know how some of our brothers came home.

Answer 7

If you are the patient you can look at your medical chart anytime you want to. It may be hospital POLICY that they don't want you took at your chart but they cannot forbid you from looking at your chart. If they tell you this you may want to let them know that you plan on asking your lawyer about this and then see what they say.

Answer 8

Yes, you have a right to see your medical records under Data Protection Act 1998.

Answer 9

If this charge is thru his (or somebody else's) automobile coverage, then confident, he would get the money quickly. maximum automobile regulations have a small cut back of $5,000 obtainable for medical fees. If he exhibits any money that he made that weren't coated by utilising his medical wellbeing coverage he can get reimbursed for those fees (alongside with copay, deductibles, medical kit, etc). yet, if any of the expenses have been truly paid for by utilising his medical wellbeing coverage employer, then the money ought to truly be paid to them to reimburse them for his or her money made. If that's coverage being paid by using his medical wellbeing coverage or artwork comp, it will be paid directly to the medical institution.

Answer 10

Every time I have been in hosptial, I have been asked if i wanted my visitors to see my notes and if not I had to tell someone. I was able to view them, and I had fluid balance sheets and weight charts to fill in, only to make it easier then waiting for a nurse to do it. So yes you can see your own notes.