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KARMA!! Just lost my doctor

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Posted 4/30/2012 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
Oh dear, I just wrote the post on how bad doctors are and it came back to bite me; my wonderful GP (22 years) is retiring and now I have to find a new one.

I had an appointment today and found out, I also found out that I don't own my file.  I was told because of something the government ruled on I can't have it.

Someone mentioned to me that I can call an ombudsman and ask about what I can do. I was also told to mention that I  have two chronic diseases and a lenghty background of illness.

One saving grace is I still have a great GI who I completely trust and feel comfortable with.

Anyone else been through this and any suggestions other than an ombudsmon would be greatly appreciated.

 

Post Edited (cleanfreak) : 4/30/2012 5:14:00 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/30/2012 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
What country are you in? In the USA, you have a right to a copy of your medical records. You may have to pay a fee for copying, but you have a legal right to a copy of everything in your file that your doctor produced. If your doctor has letters from other specialists or tests results like CT scans or lab tests, then you will also have to make the request to the hospital where the tests were performed or the other specialists' offices. In other words, your GP can give you a copy of his files, and you have to go to the original source for the rest. I hope this helps.
Posted 4/30/2012 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Gumby,  I am in Vancouver, British Columbia and just before I left the office I asked about  my file and was told this information.

Sometimes I just don't understand why we have such different laws!

I was told that I can get the latest test results from my specialists but that is it.

Luckily I have kept track of ALL my surgeries and hospital stays for the last 30 years.

Posted 4/30/2012 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
Your new physician can ask for a copy of your record from the retiring doctor. I am sure this is allowed to facilitate continuity of care. Appears they just don't want the masses to see their own records.
Posted 4/30/2012 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the prompt replies and advice, I just went on the "Ombudsman B.C." website and they wanted $39.00 for an answer!!!

I just said thanks but no thanks, I can't believe that they charge.

Posted 5/1/2012 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
I'm in Ontario and I've always had a right to my daughter's file. I keep a copy of it. We do have to pay for it when we move dr's though as they charge you for copying costs/time etc. Why are they refusing?
Posted 5/1/2012 2:21 AM (GMT 0)
Someone else told me that I might be able to get it is I pay to photocopy each page, and the first thing I thought was that's going to cost me alot, my file is about 2 1/2 inches thick.

I will call the office tomorrow and see if I can do that, but that person lives in Calgary.

I am hoping that maybe Kate548 will see my post as she is from Vancouver B.C. and she might know something that could help me. I still have to hunt for a new doctor.

Thanks again for the replies.

Posted 5/1/2012 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Awww good luck cleanfreak! I'm in the US too so I cant help you but maybe repost and put "attn fellow canadians"??? Its so hard when a trusted doc retires, I cried when in the doc office when I had to find a new doc due to an insurance change lol. I get emotionally attached to people I guess :)
Posted 5/1/2012 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Great idea Bella, thanks.
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