Just a reminder...as a "best practice" to request your medical records from your medical office(s). You have the right to request all reports -- and images -- of anything relating to your treatments.

I have digital copies of ALL my Xrays, MRIs, etc. and view them on my PC. Whether you are the analytical type or not, it is wise to have them as a reference. As well, if you ever have future health issues, it provides a handy benchmark for you and the medical professionals -- whether you get treated by docs in the U.S. Europe or some other galaxy!

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Aside from having the images and reports as a reference, it also makes for great conversion when you can share pictures of your "bionic back". http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...on_biggrin.gif

I agree Harrison. It's really time consuming to have to go back and retreive everything after many years like I did. Get everything each time you get a new test.

Crystal great point I just got a copy of the CT scan the day after surgery from St John's Hospital cost $20. Can't wait to share it at my next party. http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common...icon_smile.gif

When I went to the Kerlan Jobe Clinic, if I wanted copies of my MRIs, Discograms and Myleogram, they would charge $15 per page. Outrageous! ( about 30 pages) They did send my records to another Doc for a second opinion, but would not give them to me to hand carry. Of course I got them back from the second Doc and NEver plan to give them back to Kerlan-Jobe.

I acquired my x-rays and scans the same way: when I walked out of the second surgeon's office, they were mine! I even have copies of the films from my sugery showing the implantation process, with the date and time stamped on each. When I shared them with friends over lunch, they commented that it looked like they were playing with chopsticks in my back. http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common.../icon_razz.gif

I guess there is an advantage to living in Tucson--all copies of my X-rays and MRI's, both films and CDs, have been provided to me free! And I have ended up requesting multiple copies. The only time there was a charge was for the copies for my lawsuit. Incidentally, the tech told me that it costs about 50 cents to make a CD. You can request a copy of your studies at the time you have the studies done--don't walk out without it.

Harrison, Thanks for the post. I was just wondering about that. These 'imaging' places act like they own your information. I have my films, but now will call and get them sent to me electronically. Should I expect a charge? I'm in the process of checking out Carolina Neurosurgery in Charlotte for Charite surgery. They have experience. Thanks for any replies.

Kim, generally, even in Taxachussetts, the first copies are free. But this varies widely. Worst case for digital copies (cost of the CDs) are between $5-15...most take 2-5 days for turnaround. However, if you tell them you will pick them up, they offer better turnaround.

I had a pre-op which included a chest x-ray for my July 21st surgery (which never happened) Now I want to take it to Germany, Dr. Galen won't release it saying he has to have the record but that I'm welcome to copy it for $200. I didn't have any problems with any other records. Anybody ever hear of this?

Dale