the administration of the medical profession is FUBAR!

[Bertha Venation]

That's right, it's fouled up beyond all redemption.

Our doctor retired and sent all of her patients and their charts to another doctor, which is fine for those who can get to Fairfax, VA, without an hour and a half in traffic (one way).

I called the new doc's office today to request our charts, and learned what I have to do to get copies:

Using U.S. mail, send in separate letters our names, DOBs, a phone number where we can be reached, and how far back we want them to go. There is a $10 "research and handling" fee, and they're charging fifty cents per page.

I asked why, since our doc has retired, we can't just pick up our original charts. I was told "because Dr. So-and-So has agreed to be the custodian of these records and she has to retain them for seven years." When I explained that our charts would go directly to our new doctor who would keep them just as Dr. So-and-So would, I was basically told, "tough."

:grr:

If anyone can shed light on how the administrative side of the medical profession works, I'd be grateful. I don't want to spend the day wondering if I should sue for our original charts -- especially Mrs. V.'s, who saw this doctor for over 20 years.

[burythehatchet]

1. I'm no expert but

what about if you just go to your new doctor and tell him/her where your records are. I believe they would send the records over when they're requested by another treating physician.

[Bertha Venation]

5. a-ha...

that may be the key. Thanks, Hatchet.

[southerngirlwriter]

2. there's a tough issue

because, if I understand right, the doctor who retired was in Maryland and the new doctor is in Virginia.

Such things are governed by state law, unless the new HIPA now supercedes it.

Under state law, it'd be very easy in Alabama. I don't know whether Maryland or Virginia state law would rule in your case. Or if HIPA supercedes.

I will look for a copy of HIPA online and see if I can find anything.

Oh, and you need to watch "My Fellow Americans," a very funny movie about two ex-Presidents. One of them says, "If you're gonna use the F word, go for the gold!!"

FUCKED UP!!!! Not FOULED UP!! :D :D :D :D :D

Say it, Bertha! You'll feel better!! :bounce: FUCKED UP!! :bounce: FUCKED UP! :bounce: FUCKED UP!!! :bounce: :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Bertha Venation]

4. I agree about the F word, but

I'm trying to clean up my act. :bounce:

(I liked that movie. I miss Jack Lemmon.)

[SoCalDem]

3. I had to BUY my son's x-rays when he moved up north

He has a serious medical condition and he wanted his new doctor there to have the actual x-rays..not just a "report".. So I had to physically go down there and BUY them.. Cost me almost 200.00 (he has years worth of x-rays) and do you have any idea how HEAVY they are.. That cost me another $60 since I had to send them with special handling and insurance..(even though they were actually irreplaceable)

Those xrays were "paid for" YEARS ago..:grr:

[Bertha Venation]

6. Now THAT'S fubar.

:grr: