Getting my medical records

Question

My dad is under workmans comp in illinois, and he had to go and see a doctor for some evaluation. He just called there today to ask for a copy of his medical records, and they told him that they cannot release them directly to him, that he will have to contact his case manager and then she can get them and give them to him. Is this illegal, cuz I always thought that you have every right to your medical records.

Answer 1

I was a medical records manager at a very large Chicago hospital. You are mistaken about who "owns" your records. They own the records, your dad merely has a right to view them. He can't change anything, remove anything or contest anything. The office is also correct that the case manager has be contacted for a copy. They aren't refusing him access, they are simply pointing him to the keeper of the records. Everything they told him is accurate and legal. Now if the case manager gives him a hassle, then he needs to contact an attorney. Let's just hope Martin Boyer isn't the comp adminstrator. If they are, get an attorney now. They're nasty.

Answer 2

You are right.  And the only way the case manager can get the files is by your dad signing a release form, probably through workers comp.

You simply have to go to the medical records office in the hospital and ask for a copy.  There may be a charge for photocopying, and it could take a couple of days, but they cannot refuse the request.