Are you allowed to get your medical records? Please help!?

Question

I saw a Psychiatrist for about 6 sessions or so. I would talk and he would give me zero feedback. He would write notes.

I saw him because I had probelms with a stalker. He asked my Mother to talk to him and she explained to me how he didn't believe I actually had a stalker. She had to verify that she witnessed everything.

I am worried that this Psychiatrist wrote a bunch of damaging notes about how I made this up, even thought this really happened.

Can I get these records and read the notes he was writing? How do I do this?

What are my rights?

Answer 1

In the jurisdiction where I practice, patients are entitled to receive a photocopy of all their medical records.  The original record is the property of the physician/group with whom s/he is affiliated, however, patients have the legal write to obtain a copy of their records and there are set limits to how much a group can charge you for these records.  If for any reason a facility denies you the right to obtain a copy of your medical records, then you can retain an attorney who can assist you with obtaining your personal records.

I wish you well.

Answer 2

Yes, under HIPPAA you are entitled to your medical records you need to fill out a release at the psychiatrists office and most states allow the provider to charge you a fee for copying the records up to ~$15 total.

Answer 3

Is very difficult for anyone to get hold of the psych notes, including the person involved. The privacy issue (HIPPAA) in every state is alive and thriving. Tell the psychiatrist you need a copy of your records and what the procedure will be.Then follow the steps you are told to take.

In the future, if you need any kind of help, maybe a therapist can help you,instead of a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist is allowed only to listen, take notes and prescribe psychiatric medications, after he diagnoses you with a psychiatric disorder you may have (or not).

Answer 4

Those aren't your typical medical records. They are notes taken down by the psychiatrist and are essentially anecdotal when it comes to your health. You can request that he (your psychiatrist) release your records but there is no guarantee there. If you are admitted to an in- or out-patient facility and had a documented procedure or consultation with anyone else, THOSE things would go on your medical record.

And please ignore "Vergina" because she doesn't even know that a therapist can be a psychiatrist. She has no psychoanalytic training and no place doling out unsubstantiated advice.

Answer 5

call a lawyer