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medical recordsFrom: AMD (anonymous@obgyn.net)Thu, 16 Apr 1998 18:50:16 -0500 (CDT)
I recently had some lab tests run by my GYN. I asked if I could have copies of the lab reports (about 4 pages total)and was told that I would have to pay a $15 "records" charge. I am new to the Phoenix area and don't know if this is standard practice here; I never had a problem with this in Dallas. Is it common to charge patients for this kind of information? My feeling is that I paid for the lab tests, that I am entitled to a copy of the results. Who actually "owns" these reports? And why won't the lab release a copy to me (they will only release to my doctor)? I ran into this same problem when I tried to get my sons records from the hospital - they wanted $30 plus $1/page for these records. However, they were willing to send them to a doctor for free. Why is there no charge to forward records to another doctor, but if I want my own copy I have to pay? I don't understand why the medical system is set up to make it difficult and costly for me to obtain my own records (or my son's). The medical party line is that patients should be active participants in their own health care and it seems like open access to your own records would be an important part of that. I would understand a minimal copying fee, but several $ per page seems extreme. Are these charges intended to discourage people from accessing this information, or is there some hidden cost in doing this? Why would doctors or hospitals be reluctant to release this information to the patient? Andrea
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