Medical Records - question and comment

[Bucky]

Hi - this is in regards to medical records.  Does anybody know how long a doctors office keeps medical records on file?  My mother passed away in June 2005 and I would like to have her medical records.  At one point they said her file is so big that it would take a very long time for someone to copy them (and I would get charged per page).  I just wonder if after a certain time they purge the file since the person is deceased?  I don't want to lose this information!!  I live in another state and don't know how easy or difficult it would be for me to obtain these records.  I've mentioned it to my Dad before . . . but they told him the same line about how big my Mom's file is.  I don't care how big it is, I want it!!

Looking back on Mom's health "issues" thru the years - I wonder if she had Sjogren's too, although it was not diagnosed as such.  I would give anything to have the chance to sit down with Mom and ask questions.  Questions that I will never have answered now.   


My comment is - those of you who are lucky enough to still have your parents living - talk to them, find out their medical history.  Later in life you might need this information for yourself.  I never really asked my Mom about her health issues.  It seemed she was always going to the doctor and I know she had enough pills in her cupboard to open her own pharmacy!!      If I could only turn back the hands of time . . . . .

Bucky

[roetta]

I'm not sure but I think medical records may be kept indefinitely. Call the doctor and find out would be my advice. Be prepared for changes in privacy laws however. I know here in California it would take a miracle for anyone to be able to lay hands on someone else's medical records. I'm pretty sure even next of kin would need a court order.

[Patze]

Hey Bucky,

It really depends on the state, sometimes seven years, a few save them for ten years, and others for longer (I have no clue about getting someone else' records and the privacy laws). 

Definitely call the doctors office and see if you can get them there (I know, a lot of doctors now charge by page, and some even charge a flat rate first and then charge per page).

Good luck, and I hope that you're successful!

Take care -

Patze

[irish]

Bucky, With the privacy issues it is questionable if you will be able to get your mom's records. Your dad might be able to get them but I would bet that you may have to get a lawyer for this. I don't blame you cause there could be important info that a family history needs.

My mom had so many issues and I now truly believe that she had Sjogrens long before anyone even thought to test for it. Actually, way back it was know that sjogrens caused the dry eyes, mouth, etc., but I really don't think that they pursued this unless someone had Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Good luck.

If your mom and dad had a power of attorney that specified that they could do business and sign for the other if they were unable. That might make a difference in how the law or court would look at things. Irish

[Epson]

If  you had POA over your mothers estate I 'm pretty sure that you could legally get them and I'm sure a good lawyer could find a way to get them.  I understand your wanting this information, when my Dad came to live with me his nephrologist tested him for ANA to rules out Lupus, can't blame him for Sjogren's.  Unfortunately my mom passed away before my Dad and don't know what her health issues were ( hadn't seen a single doctor for 40 years) but I have good reason to believe she has SS and psoriatic arthritis.

[Bernice]

I don't think it would be so hard for the next of kin to obtain records of their deceased loved ones. If not you your father should be able to do so.

[kim31072]

Your best bet is your dad requesting them.And let them know you are willing to pay-alot of times I think they throw that out to discourage people..and they will most likely ask why you want them..assure them you are interested in them to possibly provide answers to YOUR health(not the dr getting sued or malpractice)although it is easier to demand your own and get them with the answer of "they are mine" this wont apply here-so I'd be nice,cordial and tell them you are trying to get answers for your health...

Also let them know in no uncertain terms that however long it takes "as its a large file" is ok (dont let them take months and months thats just ridiculous)but you understand they wont be ready tomorrow.If she ever filed disability you might get alot of them(up to file date-and any recertification)there...so that might be another avenue to explore.

Just have your dad call,tell them to copy them you know you will have to pay and phone you when you are ready.As next of kin he is your best bet...POA and durable power of attorney over health do you no good once the person is deceasedI really think he will have the best luck...dont ask if you can get them...have him tell them you want them.

Good luck

[Blue Kat]

I work for a medical practice in Florida and we're only required to keep records for 7 years here.  Your mother's office may not be heavily staffed so it may be a matter of taking the time to copy such a large chart that has them reluctant to make copies.   Good luck to you!

[Bernice]

What is done with records once the 7 years expires? I know for military records they are stored in St. Louis, in fact I am about to order copies of some of mine from 82! I do know that there's a difference.

[meow]

Maybe you don't need 25 years worth of records...maybe just the last 10?

[Blue Kat]

What is done with records once the 7 years expires? I know for military records they are stored in St. Louis, in fact I am about to order copies of some of mine from 82! I do know that there's a difference.

We had a HIPAA compliant shredding service that comes on site and shreds them.  Now that we've gone to all-electronic records, I'm not sure what we'll do once the seven years are up. 

[meow]

What is done with records once the 7 years expires? I know for military records they are stored in St. Louis, in fact I am about to order copies of some of mine from 82! I do know that there's a difference.

We had a HIPAA compliant shredding service that comes on site and shreds them.  Now that we've gone to all-electronic records, I'm not sure what we'll do once the seven years are up. 

Delete delete delete delete delete oh crap I deleted the wrong one...delete delete

[lcm]

Contact the state medical society in your state and they can tell you the length of time records are kept and any other restrictions on getting the records. If you have problems getting the records, they could be of some help. I have found that not all doctors offices are aware of the rules and some staff in offices interpret HIPAA in their own way, not necessarily correct.
good luck!