To obtain information from dental records,you should?

Question

A- call the dentist and ask that the patient's records be mailed to you as soon as possible

B- wait until the sensitive documents are going to actually be used before approaching a dentist with your request

C-secure a written request signed by the proper authorities and present to the dentist a list of the records needed

D- ask the dentist's administrative assistant to give you a photocopy of all the patient's records

Answer 1

Any of those should work, depending upon the situation and the laws in your venue.

Generally speaking a patient is entitled to copies of his or her records. Under HIPPA, any one else needs to have written authorization. The provider may charge a reasonable fee for copying, usually between 25 cents and one dollar per page - but dental records are usually only a page or two. Copies of x-rays can be more expensive, but should not be exorbitant.

Answer 2

Wait until the sensitive documents are going to actually be used before approaching a dentist with your request--why go to the trouble of obtaining documents that you may not need.  Dental records are not like doctors records, x-rays are only good for a year and then are retaken. Drs. notes and such are no good to you.  If your new dentist needs the records, they can be requested at that time.

That is how we do it.