Hi,
I am in the process of switching doctors. I called my original doctor today to ask what the procedure is for getting my files transferred to my new doctor. I was told that I would be charged a $22.95 handling fee, plus $.89 per page fee---totaling over $36! I was shocked and extremely dismayed. I was not asking for these files to be mailed (I am picking them up)--I cannot believe that I am getting charged to gain access to my own personal medical files. Is this a common practice??
Thanks.
K.
Here is a website based on HIPAA Guidlines what they can charge.
http://www.ioc.state.il.us/office/fees.cfm
Yep. Total, criminal ripoff, but not uncommon.
Yes, totally normal.
It is highly, highly likely that when you signed paperwork in the very beginning of your relationship with the doctor, you probably signed something that said you agreed to this.
Yes, this is pretty standard. Some offices have a flat fee (Say, $20 per person) or charge per page, extra for shipping, etc. Illinois law allows this. I think part of it is because they have to actually make photo copies of the chart (they are required to keep all medical records, including of former patients, for a certain amount of years.. like, 10 or 20 years, so they can't give you the original), which can be time consuming and also somewhat pricey if they send it out for copying. So I think part of it us to cover staff time to do this. I know that some offices will give you copies of certain things, like if you need just a specific lab result or specialist report, they may give you a copy for free as a courtesy. My doctor's office has done this for me a few times. But I've also seen offices that will charge up to $100 for a record, and I think that's crazy!
I am surprised about the per page fee but most offices do charge a fee. My ob office charged $25 to file the paperwork for my leave of absence when I had my d last year.
Typically they will charge the patient for them but if you have your new doctor or midwife request the files they will send them directly to them for free as a professional courtesy.
I think it is terrible that health care providers are allowed to do this but HIPAA has a provision allowing health care providers to charge a "reasonabl" fee for furnishing copies of medical records. Most offices have taken this way outside the realm of reasonable in my opinion.
Yes, this does seem to be common. We went through the same thing when our fantastic family physician changed offices. Now she's moving away and we'll be changing doctor's offices again... I'm sure it will be another huge chunk of money... I find this ridiculous, considering how much money these offices are charging for everything. I cannot believe that doctor's offices wouldn't do this as a courtesy.
Yes it is. Some doctors will not charge but many do. It is like a handling fee.
yes this is normal. I think it is ridiculousto pay enormous amounts for the service and then have to pay for the record but that is what they do. You would think we would own the files if we paid for it.... I like the idea posted on here that if the dr requests it they get it as a courtesy. Go figure! Its a rip off and yes its normal. I never transferred my records just told the dr when I transferred...
My husband worked for a medical records company and they never charged for records going from doctor to doctor. If you were to pick up the records then they would charge you. You should not have to pay for them. Ask your new doctor to request them.
yes, I switched OB's from Illinois Masonic where my son was born to Northwestern group and to get my file as well as my son it was almost $60. I think it is crazy that they charge you for your own medical files. I had to have them and I think they know that, so they charge you.
