Being assertive with sleep doctor's office/Getting Results

[49er]

On August 31, I had a sleep study through my new sleep doctor for various reasons. Anyway, I had been told it would take 5 to 10 business days for results to come back. Of course, I thought in light of the fact that my previous results last year came back in two days through another sleep center, I didn't really believe it could take that long. I thought wrong.

When I called yesterday and this morning and was told my results weren't in my chart and that it could take up to 10 business days, I started to get concerned. Since my appointment with the doc is next Tuesday and I want to review the results ahead of time so I can ask good questions, I told them that asking me to wait 10 days is not acceptable. So they are going to expedite things if the results aren't back.

Then I asked if the results could be emailed to me and they said that Hippa regulations forbid that. Interestingly, the previous sleep center I had my study with had no problem doing that but I wasn't going to win this battle. So I will have to go the office to pick up the results when they are ready which will be a pain the neck. But whatever it takes, right?

I tell you, that previous sleep center really spoiled me as not only did they email me a copy without any hassle, the results were ready in two days.

Anyway, just wanted to post another story of being persistent with a medical office and not taking no for an answer.

49er

PS - Can someone explain how faxing medical records is more secure than via email which HIPPA allows them to do? I thought I read somewhere it could also be less secure.

[LSAT]

On August 31, I had a sleep study through my new sleep doctor for various reasons. Anyway, I had been told it would take 5 to 10 business days for results to come back. Of course, I thought in light of the fact that my previous results last year came back in two days through another sleep center, I didn't really believe it could take that long. I thought wrong.

When I called yesterday and this morning and was told my results weren't in my chart and that it could take up to 10 business days, I started to get concerned. Since my appointment with the doc is next Tuesday and I want to review the results ahead of time so I can ask good questions, I told them that asking me to wait 10 days is not acceptable. So they are going to expedite things if the results aren't back.

Then I asked if the results could be emailed to me and they said that Hippa regulations forbid that. Interestingly, the previous sleep center I had my study with had no problem doing that but I wasn't going to win this battle. So I will have to go the office to pick up the results when they are ready which will be a pain the neck. But whatever it takes, right?

I tell you, that previous sleep center really spoiled me as not only did they email me a copy without any hassle, the results were ready in two days.

Anyway, just wanted to post another story of being persistent with a medical office and not taking no for an answer.

49er

PS - Can someone explain how faxing medical records is more secure than via email which HIPPA allows them to do? I thought I read somewhere it could also be less secure.

I'm not sure, but they may require a signature when they release the records.

[49er]

On August 31, I had a sleep study through my new sleep doctor for various reasons. Anyway, I had been told it would take 5 to 10 business days for results to come back. Of course, I thought in light of the fact that my previous results last year came back in two days through another sleep center, I didn't really believe it could take that long. I thought wrong.

When I called yesterday and this morning and was told my results weren't in my chart and that it could take up to 10 business days, I started to get concerned. Since my appointment with the doc is next Tuesday and I want to review the results ahead of time so I can ask good questions, I told them that asking me to wait 10 days is not acceptable. So they are going to expedite things if the results aren't back.

Then I asked if the results could be emailed to me and they said that Hippa regulations forbid that. Interestingly, the previous sleep center I had my study with had no problem doing that but I wasn't going to win this battle. So I will have to go the office to pick up the results when they are ready which will be a pain the neck. But whatever it takes, right?

I tell you, that previous sleep center really spoiled me as not only did they email me a copy without any hassle, the results were ready in two days.

Anyway, just wanted to post another story of being persistent with a medical office and not taking no for an answer.

49er

PS - Can someone explain how faxing medical records is more secure than via email which HIPPA allows them to do? I thought I read somewhere it could also be less secure.

I'm not sure, but they may require a signature when they release the records.

Thanks LSAT. Interestingly, the previous sleep center had no problems emailing me the results and neither did anther medical office although I think that person may have done it as a favor to me.

Anyway, I found this link that seems to indicate that if a patient wants records emailed and is aware of the risks, it is acceptable to send them. Of course, I could be missing something.

http://www.bridgepatientportal.com/blog ... -patients/#

49er

[wm_hess]

A fax is a direct connection between two parties. An email on the other hand, can go through multiple parties computers getting to it's destination. Each one of the computer systems can potentially keep a record of the email?

I look at it like the difference between mail in an envelope vs a post card. Prying eyes can't read the results through the envelope but could on a post card.

Also I believe you mentioned a new doctor? They may need something in writing before they're comfortable emailing privileged information out. In today's lawsuit happy world they may not want to take a chance.

-Bill

[49er]

A fax is a direct connection between two parties. An email on the other hand, can go through multiple parties computers getting to it's destination. Each one of the computer systems can potentially keep a record of the email?

Thanks, that make sense.

Anyway, the results are in and I am waiting for them to be faxed thanks to a free account I was able to get without having to leave a credit card.

[chunkyfrog]

I read that security with electronic transfer of medical information is even more a concern than
with electronic money transfer. Financial identity theft can wreck finances, credit, and reputations;
but highjacking your health records can be deadly. One case of ID theft involved multiple fraudulent
life insurance policies and the perp actually CHANGED the victim's blood type record.
One reason why doctors often have a patient hand-carry X-rays that need to be shared immediately
with a colleague, and I am totally OK with that.

[49er]

I read that security with electronic transfer of medical information is even more a concern than
with electronic money transfer. Financial identity theft can wreck finances, credit, and reputations;
but highjacking your health records can be deadly. One case of ID theft involved multiple fraudulent
life insurance policies and the perp actually CHANGED the victim's blood type record.
One reason why doctors often have a patient hand-carry X-rays that need to be shared immediately
with a colleague, and I am totally OK with that.

Good point CF. Does that apply to just regular email submissions? What about online medical records as it seems they aren't exactly secure.

Anyway, I solved the problem and got a copy. AHI is 25 per hour so I am back in the moderate range. RERAS weren't scored which I thought were going to be but perhaps I am missing something so I will ask the doctor.

[chunkyfrog]

Several medical offices offer an online portal, but considering our checking accounts have been
compromised several times, and money has fraudulently been taken TWICE--we politely decline.

[49er]

Several medical offices offer an online portal, but considering our checking accounts have been
compromised several times, and money has fraudulently been taken TWICE--we politely decline.

Totally understand and sorry you went through that. Can't imagine dealing with that.

The office does have an online portal but said it wasn't set up for patient results.

I guess every time you go on the Internet, you are subjecting yourself to risk no matter how cautious you try to to be. Not saying that as a statement of blame but just as an FYI.