Re: X-ray lending

[Guest guest]

What if a patient requests to borrow their x-rays and then refuses to return them? What can you do?

Anglen

[Guest guest]

Several years ago, the OBCE with the help of the Admin. Rules Advisory Committee

recognized this is a problem and a catch 22 that many doctors face. Yes the

films are the property of the doctor, however, the patient may believe fervently

this not to be the case. You can always refuse the request to release the

originals and then make copies, and charge accordingly.

The rule language below was adopted to address this issue if the doctor feels it

necessary or in the patient's best interest to release the original films to the

patient.

Dave McTeague, Ex. Dir., OBCE

Records 811-015-0005 (1)

(4) If a chiropractic physician releases original radiographic films to a

patient or another party, upon the patient's written request, he/she should

create an expectation that the films will be returned, and a notation shall be

made in the patient's file or in an office log where the films are located

(either permanently or temporarily). If a chiropractic physician has

radiographic films stored outside his/her clinic, a notation shall be made in

the patient's file or in an office log where the films are located and

chiropractic physician must ensure those films are available for release if

requested by the patient.

>>> <ang320@...> 01/30/04 04:05PM >>>

What if a patient requests to borrow their x-rays and then refuses to return

them? What can you do?

Anglen

[Guest guest]

,

Here's what I do: If a patient borrows a film, have them sign out for it at the front desk. Make it real official. Put the date you want the film back when they sign out. So they know it's a 3 week or whatever lending thing. Usually they'll let you know right then and there that they want to 'keep' it. Maybe they're moving or changing docs. I have the staff tell them that because of state laws, the doc is required to provide access to the film when anyone wants it. (This next part is optional, but how I deal with it.) If they insist on keeping it, I tell staff to say, "The doctor is happy to let them keep the film ... IF they sign that they will accept full responsiblity to provide the film to other health providers for the next 7 years." It's noted in two places. Their chart with a date entry saying they wanted to keep the film. (They sign) and it's noted in our 'Xray check out book'. We keep a log of when the films are checked out and returned. If a patient already has the film and calls to say they're keeping it, we note the call in the xray log and in their chart and inform the patient over the phone of their 7 year responsibility. I personally don't like my staff to argue with a patient about it. None of them understand cause they think they own it since they paid for it. Once again, this isn't an official board position, just mine. Minga Guerrero DC

In a message dated 1/30/2004 4:14:50 PM Pacific Standard Time, ang320@... writes:

What if a patient requests to borrow their x-rays and then refuses to return them? What can you do? Anglen

[Guest guest]

Minga,

I spoke with you at the 1st year chiro meeting last year about getting

CE credit for a lecture series that I wanted to show. You had said

that there was a vote in November for CE credits. I was wondering if

there was anything discussed.

Bingham D.C.

Namaste Chiropractic

1809 NW St.

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 226 - 8010

On Jan 31, 2004, at 10:34 AM, AboWoman@... wrote:

> ,

> Here's what I do: If a patient borrows a film, have them sign out for

> it at the front desk. Make it real official.  Put the date you want

> the film back when they sign out. So they know it's a 3 week or

> whatever lending thing. Usually they'll let you know right then and

> there that they want to 'keep' it. Maybe they're moving or changing

> docs. I have the staff tell them that because of state laws, the doc

> is required to provide access to the film when anyone wants it. (This

> next part is optional, but how I deal with it.) If they insist on

> keeping it, I tell staff to say, " The doctor is happy to let them keep

> the film ... IF they sign that they will accept full responsiblity to

> provide the film to other health providers for the next 7 years. " It's

> noted in two places. Their chart with a date entry saying they wanted

> to keep the film. (They sign) and it's noted in our 'Xray check out

> book'. We keep a log of when the films are checked out and returned.

> If a patient already has the film and calls to say they're keeping it,

> we note the call in the xray log and in their chart and inform the

> patient over the phone of their 7 year responsibility. I personally

> don't like my staff to argue with a patient about it. None of them

> understand cause they think they own it since they paid for it. Once

> again, this isn't an official board position, just mine.

> Minga Guerrero DC

>  

> In a message dated 1/30/2004 4:14:50 PM Pacific Standard Time,

> ang320@... writes:

> What if a patient requests to borrow their x-rays and then refuses to

> return them? What can you do?

>

> Anglen

>

>

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