GeoffM

spouse of scouse

Although it doesn't reference HIPAA, according to the attached a physician must allow a patient to view and receive their medical records within 5 days of receiving the patient's written request to do so Medical Records - Consumers Medical Board of California The link also provides information on how to make a complaint to the Medical Board of California if the physician doesn't comply.

GeoffM

Thanks. I gave them a ring but he said it's more of a Department of Managed Health Care thing - but glad you gave me a starting point. Both are new to me!

Redwing

Try filing a complaint with the CA dept. of health.

DebzinUS

It is a HIPAA issue. You have a right to your medical records. The following links may help.

https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-indivi...rds/index.html

https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/fi...accessmemo.pdf

BenK91

Obviously a bit of a pain/expense but I'd imagine a letter from a well-versed medical attorney would resolve things fairly quickly.

notaclue

I work in a hospital - I can ask where you stand on this I know our billing team well.

GeoffM

Thanks all. Yes please, notaclue.

vikingsail

For me and I realise this may not be practicable but I would be more concerned with my treatment if a medical doctor is focused on release of result due to administration it would not seem that he has his or her priorities in the right place? I would be questioning the treatment I received? Particularly if the Dr is trying to make some beauracratic point through your treatment results. And I for one would not want to be arguing or sending letters from a medical attorney to my Dr as has been suggested. Doesn't bode well for the trust relationship...

GeoffM

For unrelated reasons we go elsewhere now.

vikingsail

Ahh I see. So historical records? HIPAA is definitely your friend.

https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-profes...ess/index.html

watchamacallit

He or she has no right to withhold anything from you, healthcare charges are not allowed to stop you receiving treatment or test results. Try and get legal help if you can. I am a cancer patient and my medical bills are now over a million dollars, I have not a cat in Hell's chance of ever paying them and have been told by my amazing doctor to not even worry about them, it seems medical costs are not supposed to have any effect on your credit history either, even if they show up at first they will be either ignored or removed later. Tell the doctor you will seek legal advice.

GeoffM

At the moment I'm waiting for a response from HHS and from my (former) insurer. The latter is a necessary procedure before I can file with the California Department of Managed Health. I just need to hold them off while this happens. If they decide to turn it over to a debt collector then I'm hoping that said debt collector will back off once evidence of ongoing investigations is presented - it worked last time I had a similar* issue.

* Wrong doctor saw me without my permission, bait and switch. 15 months before they cancelled the debt but debt collector was informed of complaint and backed off.