$Unique_ID{BRK00838}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Don't Patients Have the Right to Get Their Medical Records?}
$Subject{medical records patient rights Community Social hospitals hospital
record physician physicians}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Don't Patients Have the Right to Get Their Medical Records?


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QUESTION:  I believe there is certain information in my medical records which
I need to know what to do to help myself get over my illness.  Don't patients
have the right to get their medical records from their doctors?

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ANSWER:  That's a good question, and one that's receiving increased attention
these days.  Most states have passed laws that guarantee patients access to
their hospital medical records, physician's office medical records or both,
but many of the laws contain limits and restrictions.  Don't be surprised if
you encounter resistance when you request your medical records, even if you
live in a state where your access to them has been guaranteed under the law.
     Many physicians and hospitals don't agree that your medical records
belong to you, or even that you should have access to them.  As with any
argument, there are two sides to this one.  The most often-voiced concern is
that patients may misinterpret the records, become misinformed, confused or
unnecessarily frightened by the information.  Physicians and hospitals are
also concerned about their malpractice liability being increased if patients
are granted unlimited access to their records.  They consider the records an
honest appraisal of the patient's physical and psychological condition, and
some fear that records will not be kept with the same honesty if patients will
have direct and unlimited access to them.
     Patients, on the other hand, want to know what is in their records, and,
in some cases, feel they can store their x-rays and records more reliably than
anyone else.
     The best situation is one where you and your physician go over the
records together, with your physician explaining the information, and you
knowing that you can ask any question and get a clear and honest answer.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.