Switching doctors..?

Question

i have to switch doctors because they dont accept my new insurance. but the nurse said i have to pay for every page in my file to be transferred to the other doctor. is this true? why should i have to pay for my file to be transferred, its not my fault they dont accept my insurance. its not like im transferring cuz i want to, thats definitely not the case cuz if it were up to me i would stay there. is it possible that they could jus give me the file to take to the other doctor, or do they not allow that?

Answer 1

Normally, if the new doctor requests it, there's no charge.  If YOU request it, they can charge you a "reasonable" fee for copying.  

They cannot give you the file - they're required by law to keep those medical records for a minimum of five years.

Answer 2

Just have your new doctor's office request your records, you will need to sign a release form for them to do this, and there will be no charge. Don't be too angry with your old doctor's office staff members, stay on friendly terms with them and you will be better off. It is time consuming to copy an entire  chart, and they get lots of these requests, remember the old saying don't burn your bridges, you never know you might get a chance in the future to go back there again.