Instead of copies of patient records, can I get the originals?

Question

I want my dental records. I'm changing dentists asap, and as usual they are not being very cooperative in getting copies of my records to me. The receptionist said she would need the dental hygienist to assist her in copying the x-rays, and this would take time. What I want to know is can I get the original records and x-rays, or am I only allowed copies? I mean, the records do belong to me, so I should have full access of them, right?

Answer 1

You can only get copies, I should know, I have been to tons of doctors who always want my records and all you get are copies of them. The original records stay with the doctor who had the tests done.

Keep after them for the copies. When I go to the hospital to get copies of my records they always ask why I want the and what Dr I am taking them to. Actually it is none of their business and it makes me mad to tell them so I am going to contact the hospital administrator and talk to him about the people asking me these questions which are none of their business.

BTW Jackie you have no right calling her names. Just because you have problems where you work doesn't give you the right to call other people names.

Answer 2

the records do not belong to you, only the information contained in them does, you cannot have the originals

Answer 3

The  records   belong  to  the  provider ,  the  staff  who  performed  the   work .

It   is  their  documentation  of  their  work .

If   you  want  the  originals  you  will  need  to  hire  an  attorney

( probably  about  $5000  to  start )

And   get  a  court  judgment  to  take  away  their  work  documentation .

>

Answer 4

if you are going to the ortho today and if you don't have the films by then see if the ortho can request digital copies via email.. we used to do that a lot when I worked for an oral surgeon from the denists.. and copying your records should only take a minute to do .. if you can't get them the ortho will and ask them for a copy and legally the records belong to the practice BUT you have legal rights to copies.. they have to keep copies for up to 5 years incase of any investigations and if they only have copies they can't prove that record tampering wasn't done.

Answer 5

It depends on the laws in your state, but in most jurisdictions, you are entitled to "true copies", and you can be charged a "reasonable" copying fee... usually 25 cents to a dollar per page... but most dental records are only a page or two. That being the case, it's unlikely she needs help.

On the other hand, copying x-rays can be expensive. The film costs pennies, but for some reason, copies don't. And they may take longer. See if your local dental society has guidelines.

Keep pushing - nicely but persistently. And if you don't get results promptly, threaten to complain - or actually complain - to either the dental society or the state board.