Copies of medical files

[Tesscorm]

A bit of a silly question but just wondering how it works for everyone else...

When Stephen has tests done, I email the nurse requesting the results and she emails back with the numbers (this was nurse's suggestion from the beginning). Sometimes she sends a scanned copy of the lab's report, sometimes just tells me CRP XX, ESR XX, etc.

Haven't been too concerned because I've always known Stephen would be transferring to a new clinic soon and they told me that when he moves, I will get a copy of the file (so, for now, I always knew it I would have a complete file soon...).

But, going forward... (and, this is assuming that there is nothing urgent in the results, just regular follow-up)... Do you all get copies of the actual report from the lab? Do your clinics have an ongoing policy that these results are automatically mailed to you or do you call each time?

If getting copies of everything isn't 'normal' practice, I don't want to be a pest at the new clinic but I don't want to regret one day that I didn't get copies of everything...:facepalm:

 

[KWalker]

I just got all my records today and for a few different reasons.
1. I'm looking for a new doctor because my doctor is an idiot
2. My doctor is an idiot and doesn't explain anything to me so I like to know what's going on
3. My doctor's an idiot


I never used to before because my old doctors have always taken the time to explain things to me but with my new doctor I feel I need the results or else I would have no idea what's going on. If you think anything is being left out on their end, I would definitely get the records/results. You have a legal right to them, they can't refuse or give you problems for wanting them..

 

[KWalker]

I'd say that's a good guess dannysmom! My doctor wouldn't email them to me either so I go pick them up myself because for me it's not far at all. It's definitely a good thing to have when switching new doctors again too so you don't have to get the same tests done over and over when you already know what's going on

 

[imaboveitall]

Emailed to me from The Saint followed by hard copy a few days later in the mail. Never have dealt w/any nurses.
Also has a website where I can log in and see all pertinent stuff from the record, i.e., test results, med hx, appts upcoming and past, treatments etc.

 

[Tesscorm]

Kwalker - :lol: I hope you got an apptmt with the GI in Niagara Falls!

Jeanne, Julie - Thanks! It was never an issue before... I've had my GP for 30 years, so very comfortable asking/calling for anything with her and, until the Crohns, the kids were never sick so never thought to ask for copies of results from their ped. I just wasn't sure what is 'normal' practice or if I was going to start out at Stephen's new clinic by being that 'neurotic, annoying mother'! :blush: :lol:

Julie - wow, I wish every doctor provided online access to their patients! Make so much sense...:medal1:

 

[DustyKat]

In Australia everything is co ordinated throughout the GP so he will receive all the test results and be CC'd into everything from other specialists.

I get the GP's surgery to fax or email me copies of everything...blood tests, imaging results, pathology, hospital admissions, doctors letters etc.

I ensure I have a hard copy of everything. I have it all compiled in a file and whenever I have had to take the kids to casualty or a specialist (new) I take it with me.

Dusty. xxx

 

[DustyKat]

Who said I was anal??? I'm not anal!!! :ylol:

 

[JThorn676]

I just asked about this on another thread. The only results I have are my pathology results from when I was in the hospital. I have never been given a hard copy of any results my dr has done.

I have a stupid question because i'm still very new to all of this medical stuff since I never really went to the dr besides my pregnancy checkups prior to my hospital incident leading to the crohn's diagnosis... when I call do I just ask them to mail me all of my medical records from the doctor?

I really want all of my results because i'm a very curious person and i'm sure it's good to have too

 

[DustyKat]

Those of you in the US may find this article helpful...

http://patients.about.com/od/yourmedicalrecords/a/getmedrecords.htm

Dusty.

Edit: There are also some very good links attached to the article page pertaining to medical records.

 

[izzi'smom]

Not a PITA mom thing at all
I regularly ask for lab and imaging results (copies) and every 6 months ask for her reports (the dictation the doc does after seeing her in office).
It makes life easier for consults and helps me to learn more about her disease. (I peruse them, y'know, in my infinite spare time. THen I post on here and Dusty answers all of my questions )

Oh, and Izz's doc just switched to a system that show all results online.
It SOUNDS fantastic, but it isn't set up yet :biggrin: someday it will be wonderful lol!

 

[Mehita]

We just switched to a new pediatric gastro (because our first was an IDIOT and totally missed the signs of a flare!) and he sends us copies of everything. After each appointment he summarizes in a letter what we discussed, what the game plan is, what the meds are and also mails all the lab results. It's wonderful!

I think it's pretty critical to have all the paperwork on hand. We love our doctor, but he has hundreds of patients. If we're not sitting right in front of him, my son is a name and file number and understandably so, especially if we only see him once or twice a year. If you have copies of all the labs and things, then you can also monitor changes in your child's condition as well.

My son is also a numbers guy and loves looking at the reports. I think for him it's part of his coping mechanism. "Look, Mom, my albumin numbers are back in the normal range!"

With our previous idiot doctor, I did feel like a pest asking for copies all the time, but I did it anyway. I was able to walk into our first appointment with the new doctor and give him copies of everything.

Now... if we can get to an online system...

 

[Dutch941]

I demand copies of all lab work and test results...at first staff was hesitant and said I wouldn't need them since they had copies...but after I insisted and followed up ...they are use to it and provide me copies of everything upon demand...also. ..I found a great app for my iPad called "my medical".....u can enter yours or your loved ones medical info...diagnosis..history...meds...vitamins.....appointment results....and most importantly all lab results.....I can then view his lab results on a graph and compare changes ( such as liver enzyme) to what transpired at that time....this provides a strong clue as to what actions cause what results....I suggest this app to everyone here who monitors a family members progress.....

 

[imaboveitall]

Graphs are sweet. The site w/all V's stuff enables viewing results in either a line graph or a table. I can see every test from dx-present.

 

[izzi'smom]

^ I made graphs when Izz was first sick, labelling changes in diet and meds vs # of stools (this was before she had much pain). LOVE to be able to see the correlation- it helps me immensely!

 

[Dutch941]

Yeah it as helped a bunch.........now when ever we go to appointment ...I just bring my iPad.....when I think of something I want to ask at next appt..I add it to the next appointment notes.......plus no more guessing mess and amounts every time the nurse asks or at an ER form unscheduled visit....

 

[AZMOM]

I'm a "gotta have a copy" girl too. Everything done at Vanderbilt Childrens can be accessed through their web portal so I can see the graphs, etc. But we do some stuff at the reference lab here locally and I always get a copy. I'm all psyched about this iPad app - gonna check it out!!!!!

J.

 

[Tesscorm]

Ang - I'd forgotten about the PITA mom label! :lol: But it must have been in my subconscious as I was obviously anticipating the 'label' even before our first apptmt is booked at the new clinic! :lol:

Thanks everyone for your input!