These are available on the internet and people should be reading them. Be prepared, the staff in the Dr's and Surgeons office try to treat you like a mushroom. When they answer you back with an unacceptable answer start quoting these laws, I guarantee that the majority of those employees have not even been counseld or trained on policy (or even make an effort unless directed by their supv).

I agree with the advice you were given. The facility where the XRAYS, MRI, CT, Myelogram, etc, will give you a copy, but not before the doctor has acknowledged that he received it. They have no way to know if you discussed it with the Doc yet, only that the Doc received it. The facility that I had my tests done, told me that this is standard practice. I don't see jack before the Doc counsels me. Then he suggest what he wants to do, I go and get the report look it over, get on the net and research it further. Then I am better educated for the next appointment regarding the issue.

I also agree that they almost never tell you everything that is found to be a flaw, something that may distress you, or otherwise need further action. That is very common. Look out for yourself. This is all routine for doctors and surgeons, but not the patient. I hate to keep putting myself into your thread, but I too was also not told about a disk protrusion in another area that I complained about, I had to ask the Doc myself what was up with it and did the MRI show anything. I got "Oh yeah, since you ask, you also have a disk in the ___area that is protruding" Jeez..I understand your frustration. There should be a law that after whatever test(s) are done, that upon initial counseling that the patient is also given the test results by the Doc who is actually counseling the patient.