A little worried about a doctors record?

GtiTory

I visited my GP a while ago and mentioned I had a really clicky hip ( I was 20 at the time, 21 now) and she just assured me that it was fine and not to worry as I don't have any pain with it.. So I sighed and made a joke "Well at least I don't need a hip replacement eh" and that was that.
I was in the doctors office this afternoon, and I saw written on my medical record something about "conversation with clicky hip" and then in capital letters "PATIENT THINKS SHE MIGHT NEED HIP REPLACEMENT!!!!"
I kinda thought hmmm, but I was only seeing the nurse today, and I mentioned it to my mum and shes said its naughty of my doc to write that... anyone got any similar situations or know what I need to do about this.
I am seeing my GP tomorrow but I don't know how to confront this, my mum said it could seriously affect my future, eg insurances or future jobs.
Thanks in advance
Tor:mad:

jenniewb

I'd be down on them like a tonne of bricks! From what I understand you are able to read any medical records held on yourself on request- I'd request them then hang draw and slaughter them regarding anything like that! Its not that its your fault or that there is anything wrong with what you first may have thought- or even what they assumed from a joke you made, its unprofessional and just goes to show how bored they must be.

Of course a faster way to deal with it would be on your next appointment with the same doctor, mention something like "so I saw you wrote in capital letters in my notes....." and then talk about it, discuss it and make them squirm in thier seat. Then mention having already spoken to the practace manager about it.

jenniewb

P.S, I'd be suprized if it affected any future job interviews, even if you were, hypochondria shouldn't affect you!

coldstreamalways

Health care workers are always told to record EVERYTHING that is said, even down to jokes and etc that patients have said. This is so in the future (not at all suggesting You would but some people will take any chance at all) if you did need any treatment on your hip, the Dr could say yes we discussed it and you couldn't sue him for not listening to you or taking things seriously.

The courts almost always side with a patient if there are no records.

Anyway, you said it as a joke, maybe he misheard/misinterpreted you. There is nothing wrong with saying, "oh I saw on my records (you are entitled to look at them) that you said this, I was only joking, I don't want you to think I'm worrying about needing a hip replacement".

Don't stamp and shout as your Dr was only covering himself, he probably won't even remember the consultation.

GtiTory

yeah but she could have typed "discussed clicky hip, assured no medical attention is required at this time as patient is worred"
i dont wanna fall out with my GP but I think I'm gonna move doctors because its really disheartened me, I'm gona request my records first cos I've chatted to my GP about depression, like asking her questions nd stuff.. not that i have depression its cos i didnt know who to ask. god knows what she could have written

flissh

I would just address this with your GP next time you are there. I have to write in patients notes and it is true that now days I write EVERYTHING, as we truly live in more litigious times.

I would not mind anyone I look after (I'm a midwife) pointing out something I had written and discussing it with me if they thought it was wrong/unfair.

piratefairy

Kinda related - does anyone know if it is true that prospective employers get to request medical records? I have been having treatment / consultatiosn for a medical issue, and was strongly dissuaded from one type of treatment as it would "go on you health records and possibly dissuade future employers"! I'm not sure if this advice was given becasue that is true, or becuase they just wanted to keep me on the cheaper treatment?

OP, I would definitely mention that you have read the record and think it is an innacurate record of what was said at the time. See what the Dr says when you raise this concern.

jenniewb

piratefairy wrote: »

Kinda related - does anyone know if it is true that prospective employers get to request medical records? I have been having treatment / consultatiosn for a medical issue, and was strongly dissuaded from one type of treatment as it would "go on you health records and possibly dissuade future employers"! I'm not sure if this advice was given becasue that is true, or becuase they just wanted to keep me on the cheaper treatment?

OP, I would definitely mention that you have read the record and think it is an innacurate record of what was said at the time. See what the Dr says when you raise this concern.

Yes but they have to ask you first if they can read them- read your contract carefully, they will normally ask you somewhere in there. If you refuse it shouldn't affect your ability to get the job/work with the company, about 3 years ago when I was working for a well known company, it appeared most of my collegues had declined and yet were still working, I appeared to be one of the only employees that had agreed to a check!

piratefairy

Fair enough, thank you. I can't see that i'd have a problem with an employer seeing records, I was mainly just trying to find out if the docs were right about this. I'd rather go for the best and most suitable treatment I can in the knowledge that I can at a later date refuse the checks if it is ever relevant.