I don't understand

[k1ttycat]

OK, so I know having to fill out an authorization form to get medical records might be a minor inconvenience, but I don't understand why for so many people it's a deal breaker. I say, ok, I need you to sign an authorization form to release your medical records" and they huff, say nevermind, and hang up. Weird.

Comments

[sirroxton.livejournal.com]

What scenario does a person end up in where someone on a telephone tells them they need to sign a form? I've never been in that situation.

[k1ttycat.livejournal.com]

I work for a company that copies medical records, but we do so on behalf of doctor's offices in NY. I just happen to work from home doing customer service for this company. In NY, anytime records are requested, it needs to be accompanied by an HIPAA compliant authorization form, which is what I have to explain to people when they want their records.

[sirroxton.livejournal.com]

The way I'd expect it to work is that when I go to another doctor's office, I sign something, or if the transfer is needed in advance, I sign something at the time of referral.

Maybe when the federal government standardizes medical records, a lot of this problem will disappear.

[(Anonymous)]

The problem is most patient's don't think ahead. Sometimes it's not a referral, sometimes it's just a patient going for a second opinion, or an IME for an insurance claim. Sometimes they want records for themselves or an attorney for a lawsuit. They tend to get notification of whatever it is and wait until the day before to call and say they need their records. Then get huffy when they find out there are regulations. Sure, if the patient were in the doctor's office they could sign a form at that time, but it's not always thought about. I'm not saying the patient needs to know everything, but I don't act like they're stupid. I explain what is needed, and often why, and they still get huffy. I had to get my records when I was pregnant. I signed the authorization form, and had to wait 10 days before my records came in just like anyone else. It's just the way it is. I just don't see the hardship in signing your name on a form to get copies of your medical records.

[sirroxton.livejournal.com]

Wait, wait, ten days? I've never been in a situation where I've been denied care until medical records get transferred. Is that what's happening here?

[k1ttycat.livejournal.com]

no, not usually. more often then not these records are for dissibility, lawsuits, or insurance claims. However, there are also a lot of doctor to doctor requests, but I have never heard of any doctor refusing treatment while awaiting records. NYS allows for up to 30 days to provide medical records. We usually can get it done within the 10 business days (often sooner). I got my records here in Ma. in 10 days (I wasn't in a rush either, I just wanted them for my personal records) but, no, it is not uncommon for someone to have to wait 10 days to get records. I know it sounds like a lot, and personally I agree, especially in emergency situations, which a lot of our doctor's office don't have a contingency for. My frustration is with people who specifically don't want to do what is necessary to get copies of records, namely signing a simple form.

[sirroxton.livejournal.com]

Sorry, thanks for taking the time to explain. It's a topic of some interest to me. :-)

[k1ttycat.livejournal.com]

anytime! I find it interesting too.