Posted by whiterabbit on May 2, 2003, at 19:28:13
In reply to Re: Stealing medical records??, posted by justyourlaugh on May 2, 2003, at 18:06:26
Yes, this is theft so you probably could be prosecuted for such an action. I'm an x-ray technologist and I've had to explain this to patients on many occasions when they strolled into the office and asked for their x-rays.
X-rays are also medical records so I assume that the same rules apply.I've heard time and time again, "What do you mean I can't have my x-rays? They're mine and I paid for them!" Well, sorry, but they're not yours. When you (or, most likely, your insurance company) are billed for x-rays, what you are paying for is a service: to have a technologist perform the exam, and to have a doctor determine the results and make a diagnosis. But the x-rays themselves are the legal property of the medical facility where you were treated, and so are your medical records.
Now, this doesn't have anything to do with your right to see your medical records and to seek a second opinion, if that's what you want them for.
They're not "secret" or classified or anything,
you have every right to see them. But just like you're charged for every bandaid and aspirin, you'll most likely be charged for copies of your medical records. Not that paper is expensive, but again you're being charged for a service. The same thing applies to x-ray copies.I'm sure you understand why any medical facility MUST keep a record of the treatment you recieve.
A doctor relies on these records to keep track of your progress as his patient. Even if you don't plan on returning, another doctor may need to request copies of your records to continue treatment. And finally, doctors are sued right and left, all the time. That's why their malpractice insurance is so expensive and another reason why you pay so freaking much for medical coverage these days. Medical records and x-rays are necessary for the doctor to explain (or justify) his diagnosis and treatment, and as such they are legal records admissable in a court of law. That's why you could be prosecuted for stealing them.Let me add here that if your doctor refers you to another doctor or treatment center, copies of your records and/or x-rays should be supplied to you for free. It's not a law but it's kind of low-class not to do so. Also, if you're changing doctors, you can have the new doctor's office request copies of your medical records, and that way they'll be mailed or faxed over at no cost to you. Some hospitals will let you "sign out" your original x-rays with the understanding that you're responsible for their return.
Finished.
-Gracie
poster:whiterabbit
thread:223854
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030426/msgs/223930.html