MarkO

Slightly strange question - am I allowed to read my own medical records? I presume that I can, but my GP has said that whilst I may skim-read them in his surgery, I am not allowed to take them away with me and closely examin the contents.

Is this true? Seems slightly odd to me, since I was always under the impression that they are my personal property?

Any GPs here who know the real answer?

zoog

Yes you can read them, but the GP can withhold any parts he believes might be damaging for your health or wellbeing were you to read them. You cannot usually take them away, unless your solicitor askss for photocopies and then he'll be charged for that.

Mice_Elf

Yes, you have every right to see them, but expect to be charged for the privilege.

zoog

BTW you won't be able to decipher them anyway!

paulr

I'm not 100% sure but isn't there a distinction between records held on computer and records on paper

Mice_Elf

According to the DPA, you are entitled to see all information pertaining to you, regardless of the format in which it is held.

MarkO

This is a very pertinent point. Half of the problem is that with the medical terms and doctors' handwriting, they may mean nothing to me anyway.

Mice_Elf

It takes a lot of practice to write like a drunken dyslexic spider.

super_si

i think at if you went to the hospital there is a charge

Si

S55 HOT

You're allowed to read them but not remove them from the premesis.

MarkO

Anyone know why I can't remove them? Seems strange to me...

I don't want to remove them, I'm just wondering.

Mice_Elf

Because there will be numpties out there who remove their records to read, lose them, don't return them or return them with comments and coffee stains all over them.

Also, while lurking on your coffee table at home, there is a chance that others could read pertinent information about your history.

Therefore, in order to maintain a true medical record, they are not allowed off the premises.


(Pertainent? What kind of word is that??)

[Edited by Mice_Elf - 9/30/2002 9:15:51 AM]

MarkO

Fair enough.

Mice_Elf

I believe that you are allowed to photocopy the records, though - to do with what you wish...

Not 100% sure about this, though....

chiark

Mice_elf...
That is indeed the DPA. However, it doesn't come into force for non-computer held information for a fair whack of time yet. It certainly isn't current law... This is where directives and acts start getting silly - they need legislation passing to actually implement them, if I remember correctly.

Mice_Elf

Nya haaah....Cheers Chiark, I sit, slurping coffee, corrected.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

When I was in hospital, waiting for surgery on a broken nose, the nurse left my notes on the bed.
I read the whole lot of course, and had just finished when she came back. She saw me put them down, asked what I thought I was doing, then said I wasn't supposed to see them, and I could get her into trouble if anyone found out.

Strange.
Alcazar

Mice_Elf

That's true - she could - they might not have been your notes, they might have held sensitive information which it is better for a Dr to have explained to you and not least - you hadn't requested, in writing, to see your notes.

Plus the nurse was negligent in leaving them next to you.