Question regarding patient's rights at doctor's office?

Question

What are my patient's rights in the state of Florida to get my records from a doctor's office? Can an office deny the records being sent to my primary doctor? I had some tests done at a specialist's office per my ENT's referral. I did not see the other specialist....I just went for the tests as the ENT has done with other patients. Now after three weeks of stalling me, the specialist is proclaiming that I must have an office visit with her before she will send the results to the ENT or to my primary doctor who started this whole thing anyway. (And meanwhile, I am not getting any treatment for how bad I feel!)

Answer 1

You should not be denied your own medical records, regardless of what state you live in. Likewise, they cannot force you to have an appointment in order to obtain something which is yours anyway. You will probably be required to pay for copy fees, but you should be able to obtain them.

Try having the ENT's office contact the specialist's office to get the copies; as you were referred, they should have been sent to your ENT anyway. Next, just try getting a copy of the records on your own without saying what they're for. If that doesn't work, ask them for a copy of the document you signed which stated you are required to have an office visit to get a copy of your medical records, or what document you signed that denies you the right of access to your own medical records.

Answer 2

The reason that you are being told to make an appointment is to have the results of the tests explained to you by the person who performed them.
Request in writing the test results and be prepared to pay a copying and administrative fee.

The records belong to the office - but you as the patient are entitled to a copy if properly requested.

Answer 3

All results and diagnoses belong to you. The only reason a doctor might be hesitant to provide them is if they are affraid you'll go somewhere else for an alternative diagnosis... they hate that!