I would really like to see what some of the doctors that I have seen, have written in my medical records. I think that my primary care (internist) suspects there is a problem with drinking. I say this because the ATN that has migrated to my eye region makes my eyes look bloodshot all the time. My eyelids are red also and I have developed large bags under my eyes. When I am in severe pain, I look like I have been drinking and without sleep for days. Add to this, the fact that my verbal abilities can be impaired depending on when I have taken my medication i.e. immediate recall and concentration are gone.
So, I look hungover, sound like a 2 year old without a complete vocabulary and have a hard time finding the words to explain my condition and you can see how a doctor can misinterpret my condition. The ironic part is that I don't drink alcohol at all. Sometimes, I wish I could, but with the medicine, it would be risky and would probably only make me sick as a dog. Already in pain, why add more problems than I can handle right now. Basically, when I saw my internist last and just wanted to have blood work done, she misinterpreted my request and wanted to know if I was just there for a drug prescription. Geez, I almost laughed in her face, but I wanted the blood work done, so I bit my tongue and played nice. I would really like to see what she put in my record after I left that day.
Absolutely. You have a right to every stitch of paper that is in that medical file. You go right in and ask for a copy of your medical file, including but not limited to all chart notes. If they are computerized as well, ask them to print out all computer notes as well. This is YOUR file as much as it is theirs. The only person they can release your file to is YOU, no one else without a court order.
Needless to say, I am changing primary care physicians! I asked once to have my records moved to another doctor and the office said they would charge me $20 to do it. I refused to pay the price. As a side note, my blood work showed a low end on white blood cells and platelets. I researched this and found out that the antiseizure meds reduce your white blood cells and platelets!! I don't remember reading this on the side effects of these drugs. This is why I asked for blood work in the first place. I wanted to see if this disorder or the meds affected any other part of my system. Why do doctors and doctors office personnel get so offended when you ask for your records?
Lisa - yes, I was tested for Vit D (my request) and I was below the standard lowest level. So, the doc put me on a prescription mega dose of D. One each week for 8 weeks. I took the first one and it gave me stomach aches for 2 days. That was fun. I will take it for the 8 weeks, but sure hope I test better in 8 weeks. Darn side effects of the meds!
When I come to this site it is like reading about me.....My eyes are the same...my eyesight is affected by the drugs...I have bags under my eyes for no apparent reason.....I have to say the Type 1 and Type 2 TN does affect virtually everything you do in life...
I rarely drink.....not because of the drugs...but just because I couldnt cope with a hangover as well as all this ...maybe I should....My speech can sometimes be slurred after upping the meds....and quite often people think I have been drinking when I havent at all....It has impared my eyesight that I rarely drive now.... I too always have a low white cell blood count....Its all sad because in every other way I am fine....even with this....I run my own business ...I have a worldwide client base for my advice on the Financial Markets around the world...I am a trader also of these markets which in itself is stressful enough in these volatile world...and yet I have this affliction/illness/ whatever we choose to call it....and sometimes I want to crawl into bed with my pills ...and instead I appear on CNBC.....I only do phone interviews now....there is no need to scare my clients when I feel and look like shite.....I just want you to know you are so not alone.....we all know what you are going through....take care xx
I always ask for copies of my records. I've found that if you do this each time you see the doctor that they will give you test results, but not doctor's notes. I was once told it would cost me $200 to get my records from a doctor I'd been seeing for many years, but luckily I had a friend who worked in the office and she very nicely stayed over one night and made copies for me, for free. (She did this without my asking.) Recently I changed doctors and they asked me to sign a release from the hospital for all records. My husband filled out the forms and also requested copies be sent to me. They don't charge the doctor's office, but they do charge the patient. So I paid $25 for my hospital records. If another doctor requests it, they do not charge them, though. These records are legally our records, though!
Yes, you have the right to all your medical records. I ask for copies of everything. Many times I noticed that what I was told was either not or completely differently reflected in my records. I've had to actually correct doctors! One doctor dictated he had performed an examination and then actually stated the results when NO examination had taken place! Medication dosages are also often recorded wrong. I've worked in the medical field for more than a decade and you don't want to hear what I've seen; plus what I've experienced myself.
Some facilities will say they do not offer the service. Ask to speak to a supervisor. They do this to keep cost down (some facilities will charge). According to HIPAA, a patient has the right to not only records, but copies of actual films, etc. But, again, they do have the right to charge you and this can be very expensive. Example: For an MRI, UCLA charges 15 dollars per sheet.....
This is great info! My husband and I are starting over from scratch after seeing a DDS last week. We are frustrated and it is great that we can gather our med records along with notes!!!
Also, Scott: I am interested in the fact that you got a CD of your MRI...that is rad! I am now hoping that I can get a copy of mine as well!
Yes it is pretty cool to have it especially if you have someone that can help you to understand what you are looking at! I just asked the neurologist office staff and they sent me one at no charge. good luck.
Scott
Knottytree said:
This is great info! My husband and I are starting over from scratch after seeing a DDS last week. We are frustrated and it is great that we can gather our med records along with notes!!!
Also, Scott: I am interested in the fact that you got a CD of your MRI...that is rad! I am now hoping that I can get a copy of mine as well!