Is there a generic form for requesting medical records in the US

[Guest guest]

I'm going to see a new gyn next month and she has requested a copy

of my medical records. Instead of waiting for the proper paperwork

from the doctors office, is there a generic Medical Information

Release form available somewhere on the internet that I can fill out

and mail to my doctors?

Thanks,

Kathy

[Guest guest]

Kathy,

Do two things:

1) ask them to fax you the form. It should be

instant.

2) or ask them to read to you what you should write.

Mine did. I had to put down my name, soc #, DOB,

What I am requesting (all of my medical record), and

of course, the address.

Jacky

--- Kathy Steinbrueck ksteinbrueck@...>

wrote:

> I'm going to see a new gyn next month and she has

> requested a copy

> of my medical records. Instead of waiting for the

> proper paperwork

> from the doctors office, is there a generic Medical

> Information

> Release form available somewhere on the internet

> that I can fill out

> and mail to my doctors?

> Thanks,

> Kathy

[Guest guest]

Doctors offices are allowed to charge a " reasonable amount " for

printing copies of the records. I think the cost limits (per page/

per total records) are set by each State. I had to request medical

records to settle for an accident I was in recently and the attorney

told me that here in Washington they can charge 75 cents per page.

If you want to keep the costs down you can specify which information

you are looking for such as specific test results, etc. Also, once

you get a copy of you records you should keep them and photocopy them

for anyone else you should consult with. I've done this and I've been

able to easily confer with doctors in different clinics and

institutions. Be sure to request records from new caregivers as well,

as you see fit, so that you have access to your latest test results.

The Federal HIPAA Act of 1996 (http://www.cms.gov/hipaa/) helps

clarify some of the responsibilities of the caregiver in handling

medical records release as well -- just in case someone reading this

has had their request refused.

Here is an article about how to request your records, I usually call

the records department and find out how they would like me to make

the request -- most will let you fax in a request but some require

the use of forms and some will just accept letters.

Accessing Medical Records

http://www.prairielaw.com/articles/article.asp?

channelid=22&articleid=1193

Good luck,

-Ann