Can a doctor refuse to give me my medical records?

Question

I recently had a CT test done, and the doctor's office (general physician) I see is refusing to release that record to me. I have called about the results, was told I could not obtain that over the phone, as well as having gone to the office to get the test results.

The staff was insistent that I see the doctor first, and that they would not give me a copy of the results, etc.

Normally, a doctor's office calls a patient when the results have come back with a problem. And I cannot be given a simple "yes" or "no" from anyone in the office.

This office is prone to over-billing insurance companies as they have mine, which I feel is the only reason they are trying to get me to come back.

I do not care to see this doctor again, who basically demeaned me after the first visit, and on top of that, an extremely rude group of staff, etc. I just want my test results, and want to know what rights I have as far as getting them.

Thank You.

Answer 1

If they have over charged your insurance before...then why are you still going there?

You need to go to another doctor, explain what your first doctor is doing and then if the new doc finds it important to see your results then his office can get them

Answer 2

Well, a doctors office can with hold your records if you haven't paid all your bills to them. However if you don't owe anything to them I would ride up there and ask to speak to your doctor privately. Explain that you did not like how you were treated and was not planning on coming back. Tell them that they should either give your records to you in person or send them to your new doctor. If they refuse tell them that you will be speaking to your attorney. Follow up on your word.

Answer 3

No, they can not refuse to give you your records. If this continues just contact the Attorney Generals Office and explain the situation and you should get very fast results.

Answer 4

Thinking about this logically, it may be that the Doctor wants to discuss your results with a colleague or get a second opinion on something. I don't want to worry u, I am just trying to think of reasons why they might delay releasing your results. They would naturally want to check things because giving you wrong results could result in you suing them for professional negligence. You should call again and ask when you will be able to find out about the results, just explain that you are anxious to find out (try and stay calm). Or book an appointment with the G.P. and ask whether he/she has the results of your test and if they say they can't tell you, ask why not. If they are being unreasonable then you should ask how to make a complaint about their office. (By law they have to have a complaints procedure in place, and it will be taken seriously, because it's a regulated profession.)

Answer 5

Thet must surrender tham but they may require u to sign a release first which can be done by mail/fax if not then go to ur state's websites and find agancy the reg/lic dr's and fille complant just the threat of such action may spur cooperation