Jyes, you should be able to get the report from the place you had the MRI. I sometimes go back to the place I had the test done, when I have forgotten to ask the doctor for the report. Sorry you had such a frustrating day.
Carolyn

Carolyn,
I asked the MRI facility before for reports and was told that only the referring physician can release them, in so many words..
I feel something is not right about that, maybe it is a NJ thing, I have no idea.

Jyes

It doesn't sound right, to meeee. I'd be looking up on, i.e., the AG's site in your state and then link on over to ones relating to medical or patient and consumer info.

My understanding is, and I may be mistaken and stand to be possibly corrected: Once a patient makes a written request this or that has to be released within "x" number of days (and that number of days is dependent on the state).

If the facility won't release them and it is the "law" in the state, then, I'd be on the physician to compel that doctor to release the report - to you.

As far as I understand, patients, in every state, have a "right" to their own records and what is included within .

You may have to pay, and that's up to you to decide if you wish to. But: If payment is a condition of receiving the info. you seek, then, it is reasonable and a standard within the profession.

I was under the impression that long ago a law was passed that gave an individual the right to see their own records made by anyone..FBI, medical, everything. Prior to that act it was quite legal to keep "secret" records on someone and distribute them to other parties. This was done to college students by their professors then sent out to potential employers.

Well, well, it is still being done but you have to waive your rights to the critique on yourself. I discovered this in WA state in an application. You sign the waiver then hand out the form to someone who will write detailed information about your abilities or nonabilities then send it in never to be seen by your eyes. You have no opportunity to prove it wrong if mistakes or lies are written on the form.

In due time I will send this form to the ACLU.
jb

Hey Jyes,

I did a quick search and found nothing in the legislation for the state of NJ preventing you from getting your medical records. I would think that it is a reasonable expectation to be able to recieve copies of your reports and records, so that you would be able to make an informed decision regarding your course of treatment.

I've been in quite a few disagreements with medical office staff over my medical records before. I not only make my request verbally, but I also fax over a generic request form, so that there is a written record of my request. The way I look at it is, they're going to release the to my WC carrier, why the he** can't they release it to me?! I've had to pay nominal fee's per page, but it's worth it to me so that I can figure out which direction my care should take and what questions I need to have when I meet with the physican.

Go get em! Give em he**, and don't take "no" for an answer.

Theresa

Thanks all for the replies, still makes me wonder why there seems to be the general consensus amongst all the Doctor offices AND the Medical Imaging Facilities that only the referring Doctor is allowed to give the report to the patient.

I am sure that has not come out of the clear blue sky. I know the first I time I heard of it was when I asked my family MD for a copy of an EMG/NCV test, that I knew he had a copy of in my records and I was told then about the performing or referring Doctor was only authorized in that case and he retired! I finally tracked down that report at a new office with a Doctor who took over his business.

I rarely have been charged, I believe my Cervical MRI and Myelogram from 2002 I was charged a $10 search fee and $1 per page, which I accepted with no qualms since they were almost 4 year old reports.

I will post on Monday what transpires between myself and the office administrator when I ask for a copy of the MRI report...

Jyes

Jyes, i read quickly through your post,and right off the top pf my head, I can tell you those nurses, etc are full of it - I never had any problem getting my MRI, labs, or any other reports from my GP, even if they were ordered by other docs. And I've never paid acent for them, ANYWHERE! When I was going thru the 'motions' for my lawsuit, I got copies of everything - and so did my attorney. By the time my lawsuit was settled, my attorney had a full carrogated file box and a half of records!

I hope you are more successful in the future!

Jacquie