Getting a copy of sleep study

I'm thinking about switching doctors. Is there any reason why my current sleep doctor would not give me a complete copy of the prior sleep studies and script? He's kinda of an arrogant jerk to begin with.

Newbie here....there is no reason any medical practitioner would, could or should refuse a polite request for your records to be transmitted to someone else. At worst, they would want it in writing - which is also good for you in case they drag their feet, etc.

Thanks. What should I expect to see in my patient file? Should there be a written report interpreting my sleep study results and a copy of my script? I just don't trust my doctor and I think he'll withhold info. I'm in Seattle if that makes a difference in regards to State requirements.

The equipment script, the doctor's dictated results (1-2 pages) AND the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs are all part of your medical records and in the USA under HIPAA you have a LEGAL RIGHT to copies of them. Since you are less than enamoured of your sleep doctor and aren't worried about offending him the best way to get these copies is to send a brief WRITTEN REQUEST for them via CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED. Be sure to keep a copy of your written request and the proof of certified mail and the return receipt when you get it back in the mail.

I provide this URL first as it provides access to individual states' laws

http://hpi.georgetown.edu/privacy/records.html

This site provides some information on the limitations to access to copies of your medical records at one university

http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/hipaa/policies/rights.html

Some of which are

The patient may only access, inspect, and/or obtain a copy of his/her PHI in a "designated record set." The designated record set does not include, and the patient may not access:

Psychotherapy notes about the patient;

Personal notes and observations about the patient created by a health care provider (provided such notes and observations are not included in the patient's medical record);

PHI that is compiled in reasonable anticipation of, or for use in, a civil, criminal, or administrative action or proceeding; and

PHI that is subject to the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments of 1988 (CLIA).

The patient's provider can provide a summary of the patient's PHI in lieu of granting access to all the patient's PHI if, in the professional judgment of the patient's provider, providing the patient with unlimited access to his/her PHI would endanger the life or physical safety of the patient or another person.

That "designated record set" is the battle I am fighting right now. A sleep center is maintaining that the full scored data summary report w/condensed graphs is excluded from that "designated record set". Thankfully, my original sleep center was not so paranoid about their records and I've had no difficulties getting these full reports from them. I haven't give up yet, tho, on obtaining that report from the recalcitrent sleep center. The more I am denied access the more determined I become to gain access and a copy!

This URL is access to a privacy rights orgnization

http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs8-med.htm#E

and lastly the government website

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/index.html

ericthomas wrote:Thanks. What should I expect to see in my patient file? Should there be a written report interpreting my sleep study results and a copy of my script? I just don't trust my doctor and I think he'll withhold info. I'm in Seattle if that makes a difference in regards to State requirements.

I merely called my sleep center and asked them to fax over a copy of the entire two night study - 10 minutes later it was on my desk. And at least in CT, the DME had a copy of the same report when she came to visit yesterday with my new toys. Entire study was about 10 pages, include 5 with charts/graphs and the other 4-5 with editorial comments, etc.

I don't think you doctor would intentionally with-hold anything from you - maybe only his bedside manners need improvement. POV

They do have the right to charge a "reasonable" amount as a copy fee. I think it was something like .50 a page here. My doctor gave me a copy for free though when I asked her directly. When I called the office, they told me to fax it in writing and when I got it, I also got a bill for the service. It was the one that I already had so I wound up not paying for it.