The "power" of your own medical records
 

Good article Harrison!

I have compiled almost all 9 years of my medical history regarding my spine and put it all on a disc. I offered it to the last surgeon I saw who declined to take it but, also ordered MRI exams. I am now still fighting 2 weeks later to get the MRI exams approved by my insurance company because they don't have the information they need to approve them. Our closed system regarding medical records creates so many problems and is unproductive because it takes up people's time to solve the problems resulting from it. Thank goodness my problems are not life threatening!

great article. I just spent the last two weeks trying to get copies of my MRI's and X Ray's from one imaging place. They couldn't find it, they lost it, that person isn't here, and you need a script from the doctor requesting it, and they will get it to him. I guess the: I paid for them, they are pictures of me, they belong to me, etc, just doesn't matter anymore.

Wow, U2 -- so much work just to do the minimum as a patient. I hope life gets easier for both of you! :angel:

Harrison, I agree with Cynlite. It's a great article. Several years ago, I started insisting on getting copies of all written reports and CD's of any imaging studies that I undergo. I am often told that your ordering physician will get all that information. When this happens, I tell them that I have a legal right to my records and if they can't send them to me I will stop at their office and pick it up.

With respect to surgical procedures, I always request a copy of the written surgical report shortly after the procedure takes place. I also insist on copies of blood work, bone density tests, and the results of other procedures (i.e. colonoscopy, endoscopy).

During my recent consultation with Dr. Blumenthal at TBI, he complimented me on having such good records. He indicated that this made his exam easier, as he felt he knew me before actually meeting me in person.

Many medical practices are setting up their own online, secure portals where patients can get access to their information. I highly recommend that everyone set this up with every medical practice to which he or she is associated with.

Gene