doctor holding records hostage

[joeyramonesgirl 0]

As you can see from the title, my doctor has not been sending in my records in to UIC (my hospital) and it has gotten my dander up.

I've asked for my records more than a month and a half ago. I know she is violating IL HIPAA and also her ethics. I really don't know what to do, other than call my insurance and tell them that she is not giving up my records.

I've even asked for them myself, but no go. And I've talked to UIC and they have exhausted all options. Does anyone have a clue on what to do next?:smile:

Thanks,

JRG

[falloutgal 0]

Same thing happened to me!! I called the patient advocate and that helped. If your doctor dosen't have a patient avocate call the doctor's office and tell them you are going to call the AMA and your town's district attorney's office. That should help, let me know!

[ParrotheadCathy 0]

I'm an in-your-face kind of woman. I would go to the doctor's office and demand copies be made while I waited. And if they balk, then threaten them with the AMA and the DA's office. And DON'T make threats you won't follow through on. Alternatively, you could call the DA's office first and ask what they suggest you do and proceed that way.

[Bethanyblondie 0]

Wow...that's shocking. What is your doctor's reasoning for keeping your records from you? I went to my doctor's office and requested my weight checks and she printed them for me on the spot, no questions asked, didn't even have to check with my doctor. They are YOUR records, for YOUR health issues. That makes NO sense that your doctor would keep them from you for your benefit. I agree with the other posts, that you should threaten speaking with an advocate. That might light a fire under their booties. Let us know what happens.

[paisleypea 1]

yes - do keep us posted! I am afraid of this happening to me too. I went to get my medical records from my most recent dr. and the records gal called me back to say that they don't have anything from a prior doc. i remember NOW having a frustrating time and requesting the records from her 3 or 4 times in 2006. Great - now I really need them for the 5 year history and.......when I called today it was a voice recorder. They are open "by appt only". good grief! that is why I left. no one else works in the office but she and her dr. husband. she is kind of a bully (and skinny too) and would make me come back week after week after week. I'd need "blood work done" so had to fast and come back, then come back for the results. seriously? my other docs always mailed them. that is why I left. but I am scared to deal with it over and over and over. i am CLOSE. it's my biggest hurdle, this 5 year history junk.

[Jaffa 5]

I needed my records from a hospital visit unrelated to the band, about 2 years ago.

It was 5 pages of stuff, and they charged me 100 dollars to get it.

Anymore, I demand a copy of anything as I go, before I pay the deductible. It's sad, but doctors offices are like any business, they don't want to do anything once they are paid.

[Kristine73 1]

I had this happen when I moved from one state to another. I was told whenI get to my new doctor, file a requst for my records and they'd send them. HA! Wound up being a lot of stress. I had to inform myself.

As previously posted, you have some recourse. But, you need proof you've made these requests. Put it in writing that you want the a full copy of all your records. Also, that you want your doc office to comply w/other medical offices, as it pertains to your health.

Send the letter registered. They have to sign for it. This solves the 'proof of contact' thingy. Also, keep a copy of the letter for your records.

Also, put it in the letter that failuar to comply w/this request will result in you notifing the AMA, HIPPA, your ins co, the better busines bureau. And here's the biggie that the doc's don't want you to file a complain with because it follows them everywhere w/in the state ... the State medical board.

My new doc had my medical records w/in a few weeks of my old doc receiving the letter.

Good luck

Kristine

[joeyramonesgirl 0]

Wow, thanks for the support and everything! So, here's what I've done yesterday:

1)Posted same question on obesityhelp.com and got a response that was more, "let's create waves than solve problems". Although I have to admit, it would be something I would do.

2)Called my insurance (bcbs PPO) and asked what I can do. They said they really can do nothing, but they gave me the number to the American Medical Association: 1-800-621-8335 (just in case anyone needs it, boom. There it is.)

3)Goes back to the anwser on OH.com and what parrotheadkathy and falloutgal suggested: go over to my doc's office and tell her to get my records and if she doesn't do it in a timely manner, let's say hour and a half, I will call the AMA and her hospital's ethics line.

This is my plan of action. I actually created a log of what dates I called on and had letters sent to her, saying to PLEASE release my records.

You know what? This thing is giving me unnecessary anxiety over just a few pieces of paper. I'm going to be telling that to her too.

JRG