Pediatrician, can she do that?
I recently switched pediatricians, and I filled out the transfer forms from my new dr. to get the records from my old one. I asked for COMPLETE records which means everything in her folder from day one. She only sent immunization records and info from wellness visits. Legally, can she do this? I heard that if I do want the balance of my childs records, she can charge me for them. Is this true? What, if any, legal recourse do I have to get my childs records which I asked for in the first place? We live in Florida.
Answer:
I don't think so. You have a legal right to medical records.I just did this to a state we moved to from California, and they didn't argue with me at all...totally agreed we had a right to them.they faxed the whole thing to the new doctor.if they have to copy them, then they can charge you for the copies.but I think they have to give them to you...for safety reasons especially.
So call and demand them to be faxed to the new doctor. The charge could be for copies...but if they fax them, they don't need to copy them. Get the fax # where you want them to go.call and give it to the office.and follow up and make sure you get them all. With your signed release, they have to send them. ( suppose there was medical knowledge that she didn't send...could be a danger for the patient). Sometimes how you ask matters. Be determined...be demanding...let them know you won't take "no" for an answer. Sometimes it's the "loudest noise" that gets listened to. Make a pest of yourself...call everyday until you get them.they'll get tired of hearing from you !
She can charge for the printing and the time it took her staff to do it. Your new DR. could get her complete records a lot easier. There wouldn't be that much more to your records her immunizations and all her wellness visits tell most of all thats in your childs records. Call and ask for a copy of your childs chart and what would the cost be. Please ask for the office manager she can do it for nothing. Give it a try.
i am speculating here: But I would assume she could charge the cost of photocoping (10 to 25 cents a page) but that is all.
Yeah - I just moved to another state and had to get medical records from Florida - I think (this was about eight months ago) it was a dollar per page for the first 20 pages and $0.25 for any remaining pages.
that's blatantly unethical. A doctor is Hippocratic bound to pass on all info about a patient to any doctor or hospital that a patient transfers to without charging for the transfer. She's already been paid consultation fees, her findings are legally yours. A report can be filed with the proper medical authorities.
She is only required to provide information directly concerning the visits and treatment.
She will give you complete copies of everything but most require you pay them for it.
Like everything in life, you must pay for what you get. It takes time and an employee to comply with your request..it is her right to be reimbursed for costs..
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