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patient rights to MRI films question
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mssuperwoman posted:
Situation:
I moved to Missouri from Michigan 2 1/2 yrs. ago. I am now finally seeing a new neurologist down here and having MRI's and some other testing done seems how it has been over 3 yrs. since my last ones. I am trying to get my MRI films from Michigan and I am being told that it is their office policy to only send MRI images to a healthcare provider and will not send them directly to a patient.

My new neurologist DOES NOT want them sent to him. They don't like to have images sent to them because unfortunately they are a large facility and that kind of stuff gets lost all of the time and I have actually had that happen once at different neurologist.

What do I do? I always thought that I am entitled to all of my medical records. Has anyone else run into this? I was so furious when I got off the phone I wanted to scream. I told the lady on the phone the situation and she was all "Sorry, office policy" I asked for the manager and of course she is on vacation. Any advice anyone?
3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:patient rights to MRI films questionSituation:<br />I moved to Missouri from Michigan 2 1/2 yrs. ago. I am now finally seeing a new neurologist down here and having MRI's and some other testing done seems how it has been over 3 yrs. since my last ones. I am trying to get my MRI films from Michigan and I am being told that it is their office policy to only send MRI images to a healthcare provider and will not send them directly to a patient.<br /><br />My new neurologist DOES NOT want them sent to him. They don't like to have images sent to them because unfortunately they are a large facility and that kind of stuff gets lost all of the time and I have actually had that happen once at different neurologist. <br /><br />What do I do? I always thought that I am entitled to all of my medical records. Has anyone else run into this? I was so furious when I got off the phone I wanted to scream. I told the lady on the phone the situation and she was all "Sorry, office policy" I asked for the manager and of course she is on vacation. Any advice anyone?
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An_204797 responded:
The clinic is correct, films are the property of the doctor as they are responsible for the findings, however, most clinics today are using digital imaging and may be able to forward your films via the internet. Otherwise, have them sent to the new clinic with the new doctors name boldly printed on the outside and tell the new clinic they are responsible if they get lost. You are entitled to a report, not the films.
Report This| Share this:patient rights to MRI films questionThe clinic is correct, films are the property of the doctor as they are responsible for the findings, however, most clinics today are using digital imaging and may be able to forward your films via the internet. Otherwise, have them sent to the new clinic with the new doctors name boldly printed on the outside and tell the new clinic they are responsible if they get lost. You are entitled to a report, not the films.
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mssuperwoman replied to An_204797's response:
but I thought HIPAA law says that I am entitled to all medical records including tests? Aren't MRI images tests? The girl told me they put the films on disk and would be more than happy to send them to a medical professional but not a patient. If they are going to be putting them on disk and sending that I don't understand where the issue is.
Report This| Share this:patient rights to MRI films questionbut I thought HIPAA law says that I am entitled to all medical records including tests? Aren't MRI images tests? The girl told me they put the films on disk and would be more than happy to send them to a medical professional but not a patient. If they are going to be putting them on disk and sending that I don't understand where the issue is.
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wickedwanda0629 responded:
I always get a copy of my films ( now a cd) and the report.

Did you ask the MRI company ? Fax and Mail them the request.

They belong to you.

Good luck
Report This| Share this:patient rights to MRI films questionI always get a copy of my films ( now a cd) and the report.<br /> <br />Did you ask the MRI company ? Fax and Mail them the request. <br /> <br />They belong to you.<br /> <br />Good luck
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