The Importance of Getting Your Medical Records

For anyone reading this, I can't stress enough how important it is for you to get your medical records if you are going to undergo any kind of treatment. I don't care if it was a pap smear, blood tests, HSG, D&C,  etc... you should always get your records.  


There are many issues/problems with your new doctor requesting your records, versus you picking up your records yourself. In my own situation, my new doctor requested my records from my old doctor and my old doctor stated that they didn't "receive the request" three times in a row.  I had to spend endless hours on the phone calling my new doctor to see what number they had and then call my old doctor to see if they got the fax request etc... It was a vicious cycle.  Then once they received my request, they said they couldn't process my request until the doctor gave the ok.  Then I had to call back again and they said the doctor was at a conference out of town and they couldn't locate my records. Long story short, I told them I would be driving there tomorrow to pick them up. Let's see what excuses they give me face to face. Don't make yourself go through this hassle. It's easier for you to get them yourself right from the beginning...yourself!


For starters, you have the most rights to your records.  There are actually laws under HIPPA in the State of Michigan  that state you have a right to your records within 30 days of your request.  If your doctor's office won't comply, they have to give you a written explanation with why they haven't sent them to you and when you can be expecting them.  If your doctor's office won't comply, you can report them to the Office for Civil Rights or the Department of Health and Human Services.  (Hopefully you won't have to take it that far, but you do have the option if necessary).


I wish I had someone to tell me what I am telling you now, "GET YOUR RECORDS YOURSELF!" In this research study I'm taking place in, they can't proceed until I get my records. My whole life is on hold because of one doctor's office. I might have to have very painful tests redone if I can't get my records.  Sigh...so the fight begins tomorrow (and on my lunch hour I might add).  Another day of rushing and stressing.  I'm wondering if PCOS should stand for "Partially Crazy Over Stress" ? LOL


I'll keep you posted as to what happened and whether or not I got the much needed records.