Are Doctors and/or Dr offices legally required to keep statistics?
I am in KY, so I am especially looking for laws in my state or federal laws. Are Drs legally required to keep statistics of their practice, such as cesarean rates of ob/gyns? A Dr office is telling me that they don't keep track of that info and I think that is baloney. I'd like to be able to state a specific law where it says it is required, in order to get this info from them. So I guess that also leads me to.do I have the legal right to obtain this information from them if I ask? (ie it is allowed to be public knowledge)
Thanks!
Answers:
I know of no such law.
I doubt there is any state law requiring this, and no federal requirement either. Doctors keep individualized records for each patient and all of the records would be available (with patient identity protected) to law enforcement or the state medical board if a general investigation of the doctor's practice were needed.
There is no reason to impose the great burden of compiling "statistics" on all doctors without a compelling public health purpose.
They have no legal obligation to provide you with how many c-sections they perform. Yes, compiling information for statistics is important but not for c-sections--it is already common knowledge that they are both common and effective. COMPLEX procedures should warrant statistics. However, like I said, it is already common knowledge that a c-section is common and the safest way for child birth. I just don't see a real incentive from your somewhat vague information to try to force them to giving you this information. If you're pregnant and simply don't want to have a c-section and want to be sure that your doctor does not try to force you into one, then simply speak with your doctor about your feelings and if they disagree then shop around for another doctor who does please you. However, no doctor can guarantee that they will give you a c-section because of unforeseen complications that can happen around the time of delivery. Judging from the way you're coming off right now, you'll probably sue them if said complications arise. Such a litigious society.
Anyway, point is, if your doctor fails to produce sufficient information that would ease you into your decision into using them as your doctor then just find another doctor who will. Stop causing trouble.
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