Posted by Christ_empowered on September 3, 2011, at 20:21:38
In reply to CE, advice on obtaining med records, posted by floatingbridge on September 3, 2011, at 19:56:49
Dude, that's a tough one. Here's how I got mine (from a therapist, not a shrink): 1) ask nicely. D-bag treated me like an idiot, demanded payment for them and also said he didn't know where they were. 2) file a complaint with the medical board against another shrink. 3) as part of the investigation, have d-bag therapist given a subpoena 4) call again after several months, leave a message saying I "don't want any crap from you" and threaten legal and regulatory board action.
That's how I got them.
If you have an accommodating therapist, they might be able to get the records for you. Some will give you the records, some won't.
ALL shrinks and doctors have to respond to subpoenas for medical records. If you have the time, money, and inclination, get your own private counsel involved. I think you have to sign a release of information form or something to get the records. Get the records from the lawyer, read over them and see what you think.
The CCHR (Citizens Commission on Human Rights, www.cchr.org) filed a complaint on my behalf against an ex-shrink. They might be willing to help you get your records, although it seems that most of what they do is taking action against wayward docs, not so much helping out patients with basic stuff like this. Still, worth a shot, and if you're in a large urban area, your local CCHR might have the legal muscle to make it happen.
I'm so sorry. Its bad enough when you receive bad treatment (which you and your insurance company have to pay for, of course), but then to top it off by refusing to obey the law and give you your records--unbelievable. Actually, believable, since its happened to me and countless other patients/ex-patients/survivors.
Good luck to you.
poster:Christ_empowered
thread:995764
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110902/msgs/995767.html