I'm facing more surgery.....and based on my past experiences I'd like to go in "armed". I would like to get copies of the last two attempts to administer general anesthesia to me......and the failure of same.....I'd like to laminate those reports......and carry them with me to surgery.......what are my rights to these reports.....I know my Disability Lawyer has copies....as well as the hospital where I failed intubation.......am I entitled to copies? Would I be better off asking my lawyer for the copies......or will the hospital supply them?

I'm trying not to be paranoid......I've just learned, the hard way, that doctors do not always listen to you........

Hi. I am sorry more surgery for you. I have never had an issue with getting my records. I think that it is your right but of course I could be wrong. Everything that has been done to me I ask for copies even small things then I put it in my binder and it comes with me to my next doc or if something were to happen I could show them my past. Better to be safe then sorry. I would call the hospital records dept and you will probably have to sign a release and it may take a few days. Good luck

laws in NC....But I would THINK that you could get copies of key records from your disability lawyer... As a fact I'd check and see IF you could get a complete set of your 'medical records' for review and future use.
For review, would mean that you could see what all and sundry docs [some you mite never know of/or recall] may have made notes about you in consult with your 'known' docs. Those sundry docs could impact your disability case and you don't want to be surprised.
There would most likely be a hefty 'lawyer's hourly fee' charge attached to getting those copies there, but...they'd probably be more complete than what you'd get from a hospital.
To get copies from a hospital...at least in my state [others are different] I have to fillout a release form...request specifically what I want [like I KNOW???] present ID to prove I'm me and then pay a fee- then wait weeks.
At one point ages ago I did request and get copies of my hospital records-I paid $60. for the copies - they were incomplete. I know this because I got hold of my hospital file by accident and what was IN THAT file was 2 times what was in the copies I'd gotten and THAT file had the good stuff in it.
If it were me? I'd get a copy of the lawyer's files and while not cheap, YOU HAVE THEM!
I've had several surgeries and 'procedures' since my PN onset. Mine is a demeyelinating PN..Be absolutely SURE to emphasize this aspect to any pre-surgical interviews you have [if yours is a demeylinating type] and don't be shy to liken your demeyelinating issue to those who have MS. Why? MS de-m's in the brain and we 'get' the problem in the 'peripherals'. By saying this, I've had 2-4 hour-long surgeries w/o mishap so far. {KNOCK WOOD!} I have also made it crystal clear that if they don't understand and don't play well, I won't play! Sounds harsh, but, you know well the consequences of their not understanding.

PS MS folks really made a lot of inroads about the de-m aspects of anathesia and at times, disastrous side-effects of the wrong knock out drugs on their systems. I for one, am extremely grateful to those folks as I have benefitted greatly from their experiences.

Hope this helps! - j

Lucky, I'd google the regulations regarding the records in your state - I believe under HIPAA we all have the rights to our records - in California after a written request a medical facillity must provide you access to them within five days - (although they will probably take longer if mailed)... and, state law states the maximum amount you may be charged for the copying of each page.....

Also, as Dahlek said, state specifically WHAT you want from the records.... e.g., MD progress notes, MD summaries, nurses notes, procedure forms, discharge summaries, etc... anything that might apply - or they probably wont include them.... just contact the facility to talk to medical records to see if they have pre-printed form for you to complete or if a fax stating certain information will do.

And again, I've been under anesthesia more then a few times since PN onset, have multiple drug allergies, and will no longer allow anyone to put me under until I've talked to the anesthesiologist at least a day before the surgery (sometimes they are not assigned until then) - if neccessary be very persistent - its very important, as Dahlek mentioned too - that they are aware of any and all health conditions... I used to recover from anesthesia after surgery within a day or so - now it takes much longer since I got the PN... also, they use less of a dose, etc.....

60 bucks for records. I have had to pay for a cd of my bone scan or images but the written report never. Just fyi in my opinion after each test or procedure try to get a written report so that when you need something down you don't have to scramble for it. I really thought it is ones right to have their records in all of the us. I even know they don't like to give mental reports out but have to under law. Maybe it is different everywhere.

I believe if you state that you want complete copies of your file, before discharge from the hospital, they'll give them (the current records pertaining to the present procedure) to you at no cost, but if you request past records and they have request them 'sent up' from medical records, there is a fee.

Thank you for all the suggestions.....I'll start with my Disability Lawyer. Why I want them is no big deal.....I can't be intubated....... the PN damaged nerves in my throat. Also....knowing the California law is good too....because that's where my last surgery was......and we are returning there.....also when I re-establish with a neurologist in California....I'd like to be able to show him/her the hospital reports where I failed gen. anesthesia....I've just not had much luck with Doctors listening to me.....so I'm thinking if I go armed for a "show and tell"....it might work......thank you all......

Here in Colorado I can get my medical records from the hospital at no cost. I go the the Medical Records Department, and for recent records I get a copy immediately, older records may take a few days and they would mail them to me.

The Medical Center that I visit also has a Medical Records Department but they charge for copying the records. Many of the more recent records are now on the computer and the doctor's office can print out a copy at no charge. If it is not on the computer the office can request copies from the Medical Records Department and mail it to me at no cost.

It think it is a national policy that all medical records are available to the patient, but some facilities may charge a copying fee.

I got my set of records but had to pay a copying fee and it took 6 weeks. You should always get your records.

If you have anesthesia concerns, request that they use an 'awareness monitor' to make sure that you are not aware. If you have other issues, make sure the anesthesiologist knows...they don't want problems. They do listen to me, now, when I tell them I have issues.

I have had both anesthesia awareness, autonomic crash in recovery, and I require larger doses of 'sedation anesthesia'. Versed never results in amnesia for me as for other people either.

I have paradoxical reactions to many drugs such as benadryl and chloral hydrate which put most folks to sleep....keep me up for days! I don't metabolize drugs normally. Make sure you tell the people doing anesthesia AND make sure it gets in your records

I just got all my records on disks that's usually e-rays, A bunch from Mi,Ca. Mo. and a few other states if they still have them there yours. I had no problem did most of it on the computer..Some of tthe records were 35
years and a little older. I asked my Daughter if I would need her or my Niece
New. to help me they laughted,there yours. I just love reading them,sit
back and take your time, I'm curious to hear what the Aneths. have to say
if you have any problem got some bright people..Oh It didn't take a lot of time.Even just signed power of attoney and got my children's 35.33 and 32,
I had my sealed don't thimk it was hard just don't want to look up those
old ones again. Just sign for copies when leaving the hospials. Good Luck
Strong lady and hugs to all.. Sue