I had a fallout with my last Veterinarian. I've requested copies of all medical records for my Cats but she has refused. Am I not legally entitled to these documents? Do I have a legal recourse I can pursue? Can she just deny me these documents just because she hates me??? I don't owe them any money and something about what she's doing doesn't seem legal.
2007-10-18 04:40:33 · 8 answers · asked by henry315_ny 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
if you don't owe for any unpaid bills, you are entitled to the veterinary records for your pets... i would call saying you have consulted an attorney about the matter... it might be enough to scare her into giving you copies..
2007-10-18 04:45:43 · answer #1 · answered by fireflyy_101 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
In most states, a veterinarian is legally obligated to provide a copy of your pet's records to another vet, but does not have to give them to the owner.
You can ask the next vet you choose to obtain your pets' records from your previous vet. I doubt that your previous vet will refuse, though you may be charged a fee for making the copies and for postage if they are mailed rather than faxed (x-ray films, for example).
They have to provide the records whether you owe them any money or not.
2007-10-18 05:44:56 · answer #2 · answered by Kayty 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they keep giving you problems with trying to obtain records, once you switch Vet's, the new Vet's office can call and get them to fax or mail over copies of your pet's records. I honestly don't know what their legal obligation is to you regarding the records. Seems like they are trying to make things difficult for you.
2007-10-18 07:05:05 · answer #3 · answered by Jessica 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No she cant deny you any records unless you owe them money. I would speak to a lawyer or speak to the owner of the Vets office see if someone else can help you with that information. Those records are yours though legally if you choose to go to a different vets office. Like any dentist office they have to provide your records.
2007-10-18 04:44:37 · answer #4 · answered by Renee 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The records AND any x-rays are yours. Photocopies are supposed to be supplied on request. They belong to you and if you need them, they should be given to you.
You can do a free 1/2 hour consult with a lawyer who can draw you up a legal letter on their letterhead stating that you be given a copy of your pets records in their entirety.
2007-10-18 15:01:18 · answer #5 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Vets are legally required to keep all their medical records (inactive clients too) for five years.
I have never asked to have them sent to me (except for some blood work, biopsy reports, etc.) and they fax records to other vets all the time.
2007-10-18 05:03:59 · answer #6 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
take your cat to another vet, provide to the new vet with the phone number, address and name of the old vet and let her/him ask for the cat's records, if the vet does not want to provide them , the new vet can report the old vet to their board for negligence, the old vet knows that and a bad record is not good for any vet... so let the new vet to take care of it!
The old vet has to fax,mail and provide all your cat's record as soon as possible even when he/she is in a different state
Easy!!
2007-10-18 04:54:49 · answer #7 · answered by RoseAlana 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get your new vet's office to request them. That should solve the problem.
2007-10-18 04:48:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋