I am looking for suggestions on the best way to approach obtaining a
copy of my medical records. I am a California resident and roughly 5
months ago requested medical records from a doctor I used about 4
years ago. After multiple phone calls and visits and even payment for
obtaining my recoreds, I have yet to receive anything. Virtually
every time I call they promise to send them right out and then forget
that I exist. I did a little research and believe they are required
by law to provide me with a copy in much less time than 5 months.

I am not sure if this is the best place to get information, but I am
seeking possible legal advice on how to obtain a copy of my medical
records.

Thanks,

Robert

On 10 May 2004 23:07:01 -0700, macavity@yahoo.com (Robert Davis)
wrote:
I am looking for suggestions on the best way to approach obtaining acopy of my medical records. I am a California resident and roughly 5months ago requested medical records from a doctor I used about 4years ago. After multiple phone calls and visits and even payment forobtaining my recoreds, I have yet to receive anything. Virtuallyevery time I call they promise to send them right out and then forgetthat I exist. I did a little research and believe they are requiredby law to provide me with a copy in much less time than 5 months.I am not sure if this is the best place to get information, but I amseeking possible legal advice on how to obtain a copy of my medicalrecords.

"California Health & Safety Code Section 123100 et seq. establishes a
patient's right to see and receive copies of his or her medical
records, under specific conditions and/or requirements as shown below.
The law only addresses the patient's request for copies of his or her
own medical records and does not cover a patient's request to transfer
records between health care providers or an attorney's requests for
records in connection with a medical malpractice case. If you have
followed the requirements outlined in the Health and Safety Code and
the physician has not complied with your request, you may file a
complaint with the Medical Board (consumer complaint form). The
physician will be contacted to determine the reason for his or her
failure to provide you with access to your medical records."

http://www.medbd.ca.gov/patientaccess.htm

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Bob Stock, California Attorney
Nothing I've said should be relied on as legal advice.
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