What happens when you ask to read your medical records?

faithcecilia

I have been registered with a total of 4 GP practises in the last 3ish years, during which time I went through some very tough times when some believed I had mental health problems. Various GPs have told me that, in their opinion, that is not the case, and I have certainly not been medicated.

I would like to see for myself exactly what was writtenn about me at various times, and so wish to see these records.

I understand that they must allow me to see them, but that they have the right to charge me if they want to. Thats okay, its worth it to me. But am I allowed a copy of them or is it literally reading them on the premesis?

Has anyone done this and how did it work for you, please?

Thanks

ellay864

I just found this link. If you look at that, and then scroll down to the bit about fees and click into that, it seems to be clear you can get a copy to take away but will pay extra for that. There is also a bit that says they can refuse but at least you can put in the initial request and see what happens. HTH

faithcecilia

ellay864 wrote: »

I just found this link. If you look at that, and then scroll down to the bit about fees and click into that, it seems to be clear you can get a copy to take away but will pay extra for that. There is also a bit that says they can refuse but at least you can put in the initial request and see what happens. HTH

Fantastic, thanks. Stupid me, I had looked at that page and completely missed the bottom bit!!!

sweetcheeks33

I have been given my records there and then to sit and read nothing about applying in writing or paying but that was about 6 yers ago and i think each practice/Gp will be different too....

Bridesmaid83

Max of £50.00 that's not too bad. A friend of mine in Aust wanted a copy of hers and had to pay over $400

faithcecilia

Bridesmaid83 wrote: »

Max of £50.00 that's not too bad. A friend of mine in Aust wanted a copy of hers and had to pay over $400

Eeeeeeepp!!!!:eek: Yes, max of £50 I can cope with, though I hope its all electronic so just a tenner:p

Errata

Please bear in mind that the doctor can decide not to make certain parts of your medical record available to you if they decide it would not be appropriate. Obviously this is open to interpretation.

ellay864

Errata wrote: »

Please bear in mind that the doctor can decide not to make certain parts of your medical record available to you if they decide it would not be appropriate. Obviously this is open to interpretation.

Yes, on that site it says that they can refuse to let you see it if they think it will cause serious harm to your physical or mental health. If they do refuse I assume you would have the right to ask on what grounds, especially since the GPs have said OP had no mental health issues!
This site gives a bit more information, and also makes a distinction between health records and medical reports; you may want both. And also even if just health records, it can cover a variety of different aspects which they may want you to clarify

WolfSong2000

that's interesting...I tried asking for some medical records and test results and they repeatedly refused to give them to me...no reason was given. It was frustrating as I'd repeatedly asked them to send the stuff to my new GP in Scotland (I had been in England), and they kept saying they had sent it, but the Scottish practice kept insisting they never received it, hence me asking for it myself. Never did get anywhere...maybe I should have been a little firmer and done some more research!

Pigget

Wolfsong2000 - I believe you're entitled to look at them under the Data Protection Act 1998. Try quoting that at them and see if you have more luck.

brook2jack

No the data protection act does not apply if disclosing medical information would cause harm, same as nhs regulations. So yes you are entitled to a copy , upon payment, of what can be copied (xrays etc are not normally included) but some details can be left off if they might cause you harm.