Is This Normal?

[puppylove]

I'm going to a new doctor and I want to bring my records. I asked my current doctor for a copy and they said it would be a two week wait and $25 for me to get my records. This seems kind of wierd to me, but is this normal?

[weathermandj]

I don't know if the charge is normal or not, but I have to have my medical records faxed to pain management in order to get a pain doctor appt, which I was referred to by my Geneticist for EDS, and they said it can take "awhile" to have records faxed because there is a long list of people. Frustrating, but I guess it is what it is...normal, I guess.

[Katybug]

Very normal. Although if you ask the doc to send your records to the new doc they will sometimes do it faster or waive the fee. Bit it always takes longer to get a copy for yourself and most offices charge.

[Monstrosity]

I'm not sure if it varies state to state. I know for Ohio Dr's have up to a month to release records.

[misstraci]

Yes, I agree that it varies. From doctor to doctor really. I've been charged and had to wait and sometimes I just sign a release form and they will fax it over. Like someone else said though, they'll do it free and fast to other physicians but if it's for yourself, sometimes they make you jump through hoops to get your files. Good luck, hope it works out.

[Christy_D]

I did not have to pay the fee when I told the doctors staff that I needed a copy of my son's records to give to another doctor. Perhaps they will waive it if you explain they are not for you personally. Once I get the copies, I always make a copy for myself and keep them in an organized 3 ring binder. This way, whenever we see a new doctor I already have all the records and just have to make a copy. I also keep them up to date. I get the doctors notes from every appointment so the binder is current.

I also get MRI's on CD's and all test results. It's easier to get them as we go along instead of having to go backwards.

[Kellysavedbygrace]

I'm not sure if others do this but I started my own chart a while back. Anytime I have a test result, specialists visit, stay in the hospital, etc. I always request that a copy be faxed to me. In some cases like the hospital I have to go down to their medical records, sign off and pick up in person. The lab also won't fax to me but each time I go see my primary I ask for copies of anything sent to him that we've reviewed. It really helps to have copies of all my records. Then, if a new doc needs my med records I just fax to them. Another side benefit is that in the last year I've found at least a dozen items, some small, like an abnormal CMV IgG result, and some large like being discharged from the hospital with Pancytopenia that wasn't reported to me. Keeping my own chart is key to me being the quarterback of my medical team.

[micheller]

I had no problem getting my records. I just called and requested. They were available for me to pick up 2 days later with no fee.

[kclynn]

Is your new appt soon? I would have the other Dr. request the records in that case. You may still have to pay.

[peregrine]

It definitely depends on the place. In most cases I've run into, you don't have to pay for records being sent to another doctor, but have to pay for personal use, and they often will take up to a month to get things settled. You also often have to sign paperwork authorizing the information release (including to you as the patient!), which often has to be done in person or by mail/fax, which can be a pain. I've gotten into the habit of just getting copies of my records after each practice as I've gone through life.