Getting your UK NHS Medical Records to take
Jul 28th 2008, 4:53 pm
#1
Citizen Of The World
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2007
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 592
Getting your UK NHS Medical Records to take
Hi all
We've just been quoted a rather high sum (£10 per patient plus 35p per page photocopied) to get copies of our medical records from our doctor. Apparently they won't send them overseas because they belong to the NHS. Does this sound familiar? Or has anyone managed to negotiate a more sensible cost?
Cheers
b
We've just been quoted a rather high sum (£10 per patient plus 35p per page photocopied) to get copies of our medical records from our doctor. Apparently they won't send them overseas because they belong to the NHS. Does this sound familiar? Or has anyone managed to negotiate a more sensible cost?
Cheers
b
Jul 28th 2008, 5:21 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Sydney, previously Northern Ireland
Posts: 729
Re: Getting your UK NHS Medical Records to take
Hi all
We've just been quoted a rather high sum (£10 per patient plus 35p per page photocopied) to get copies of our medical records from our doctor. Apparently they won't send them overseas because they belong to the NHS. Does this sound familiar? Or has anyone managed to negotiate a more sensible cost?
Cheers
b
We've just been quoted a rather high sum (£10 per patient plus 35p per page photocopied) to get copies of our medical records from our doctor. Apparently they won't send them overseas because they belong to the NHS. Does this sound familiar? Or has anyone managed to negotiate a more sensible cost?
Cheers
b
but to stick to your question, i seem to remember there's also a maximum amount your gp can legally charge you for, £50 or £60 i think. Mine charged £30. google data protection act/medical notes for more info.
good luck!
Jul 28th 2008, 5:27 pm
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Farnborough
Posts: 232
Re: Getting your UK NHS Medical Records to take
sounds familiar...i initially had problems with our practice manager, she wouldn't even let me see the notes to begin with, but that's another story. In the end she was very helpful, even rang me up when she tracked down some mislaid notes. So I got the copies I wanted, but interestingly enough, she actually advised me to request the original records in addition via an Australian doctor once I'm in Oz if it looks like I'm staying there. She recommended requesting the originals from the Central Services Agency (who oversee the medical records in Northern Ireland) after I get to Australia, because once i leave, and my GP returns the notes to them telling them i've emigrated, they're likely to destroy them! Apparently.
but to stick to your question, i seem to remember there's also a maximum amount your gp can legally charge you for, £50 or £60 i think. Mine charged £30. google data protection act/medical notes for more info.
Extra thought - the NHS has a retention and destruction schedule (latest version published April 06) which states that clinical records (not child health, mental health or mat which have different requirements) should be retained for 8 years since death or last contact so they shouldn't be destroying them the minute you return.
good luck!
but to stick to your question, i seem to remember there's also a maximum amount your gp can legally charge you for, £50 or £60 i think. Mine charged £30. google data protection act/medical notes for more info.
Extra thought - the NHS has a retention and destruction schedule (latest version published April 06) which states that clinical records (not child health, mental health or mat which have different requirements) should be retained for 8 years since death or last contact so they shouldn't be destroying them the minute you return.
good luck!
Last edited by jane BK; Jul 28th 2008 at 5:29 pm. Reason: Remembered an extra comment!
Jul 29th 2008, 12:14 pm
#4
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2003
Location: Sydney beachside
Posts: 3,505
Re: Getting your UK NHS Medical Records to take
Save your money and don't bother with them - unless you have an complex ongoing health problem that needs to be followed up when you get here.
Doctors here always get new patients to fill out a basic form on their first visit. People often chop and change GPs as you're not tied to a particular one in Australia - so they're quite used to seeing people for the first time. They never ask for previous doctor's records and will organise their own tests if you need any.
The only things you must bring are kid's innoculation details.
Doctors here always get new patients to fill out a basic form on their first visit. People often chop and change GPs as you're not tied to a particular one in Australia - so they're quite used to seeing people for the first time. They never ask for previous doctor's records and will organise their own tests if you need any.
The only things you must bring are kid's innoculation details.
Jul 29th 2008, 11:56 pm
#5
(It's not my real name)
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Ilukapool. WA
Posts: 12,467
Re: Getting your UK NHS Medical Records to take
I concur. Don't waste your time, their time and your money they will still be sitting in their sealed envelopes 6 years on, just like ours are.
Jul 30th 2008, 2:36 am
#6
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2007
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 3,521
Re: Getting your UK NHS Medical Records to take
I agree with the others, don't bother. We didn't bring ours and have never needed them 8 years on. My eldest daughter did have an issue but I just asked the specialist to provide a letter outlining the case to date and that's all we've ever needed.
You will need the little red book for babies/kids though if you have any. A lot of things seem to be provisional on your children being up to date with their vacccinations.
You will need the little red book for babies/kids though if you have any. A lot of things seem to be provisional on your children being up to date with their vacccinations.
Jul 30th 2008, 2:37 am
#7
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 8,913
Re: Getting your UK NHS Medical Records to take
Hi all
We've just been quoted a rather high sum (£10 per patient plus 35p per page photocopied) to get copies of our medical records from our doctor. Apparently they won't send them overseas because they belong to the NHS. Does this sound familiar? Or has anyone managed to negotiate a more sensible cost?
Cheers
b
We've just been quoted a rather high sum (£10 per patient plus 35p per page photocopied) to get copies of our medical records from our doctor. Apparently they won't send them overseas because they belong to the NHS. Does this sound familiar? Or has anyone managed to negotiate a more sensible cost?
Cheers
b
Jul 30th 2008, 6:30 am
#8
Citizen Of The World
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2007
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Posts: 592
Re: Getting your UK NHS Medical Records to take
So it looks like I don't have to spend money... that's advice I like to hear!
Thanks to all
b
Thanks to all
b
Jul 30th 2008, 8:47 am
#9
Bernie & Neil
Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 21
Re: Getting your UK NHS Medical Records to take
Hi all
We've just been quoted a rather high sum (£10 per patient plus 35p per page photocopied) to get copies of our medical records from our doctor. Apparently they won't send them overseas because they belong to the NHS. Does this sound familiar? Or has anyone managed to negotiate a more sensible cost?
Cheers
b
We've just been quoted a rather high sum (£10 per patient plus 35p per page photocopied) to get copies of our medical records from our doctor. Apparently they won't send them overseas because they belong to the NHS. Does this sound familiar? Or has anyone managed to negotiate a more sensible cost?
Cheers
b
we are flying out to the Gold Coast 6th Sep and I called our docs yesterday to ask about getting hold of our medical records and I was told £10 per patient also. I was shocked as I actually worked there for a while and stupidly thought I would get them for free! I have done it for other patients when I worked at the surgery and it is a simple case of just clicking the "print" button!! Its a big rip off I know but if you want to take your medical records with you then you have no choice but to pay. Sorry.
