Is it legal?

My dog has a skin condition and my vet reccomended that I we see a dermatologist. They were supposed to fax all my dogs medical records over to the dermatology clinic. I called the dermatology clinic to confirm that they had gotten all the paper work and they hadnt. So, i called my vet asking them to re-fax the information and to fax it to me also. At which point they informed me that they dont fax the complete medical records to clients but only to ther vets. I asked, WHY? What do you send to the vets that you dont send to the clinets?they told me that they dont send the vets notes to the client only the basic information and that its their policy, because they dont want cleints confusing things, and going on thr internet and trying to look up the information themselves etc. Is this legal? Should I be able to get all the information about my dog's medical records if i request it? Has anyone come across the same problem?

Is it legal?
No never thought about it, but, I would remind the vet who's paying the bill, and that you want all the information, for even though you may go on the internet, which by the way is none of their business, it's to learn how to better take care of your dog. If this doesn't get through to her, then ask to talk to the vet, and let him know that you do not appreciate some employee telling you what you can and cannot receive as to the care of your dog. They may charge you for the information to defray the cost, most medical care facilities do this.
Reply:go to the vets in person and ask for YOUR RECORDS if they say no,,, tell them you will contact a lawyer,,, these are your dogs records and you have every right to copies of them.... be persistent then change vets
Reply:Absolutely...you as the owner have all right to those records...if they won't fax them to you..then tell them you will be stopping by to get copies
Reply:Wow!!! Sorry but my vet gave a copies of everything when we where going away for a few months just in case we needed it and his notes where there on the copys!! I would find a different vet or call a few others and ask what they do!!
Reply:the records belong to your vet...they are their property that happen to be about your dog....If you request copies of your records they should do it though, they may have a charge for the copies though.....good luck....
Reply:The records belong to you just like your medical records.You paid for them.If you request ALL of them by law they should have to give them to you.





Peapod, If you work in med. DR. office , you best go ask doctor...The records belong to the patient. As well as x-rays ect. The patient pays for the service not the DR.
Reply:Yes it is legal not to fax them to you. You do however have the right to go (in person) and ask for a complete copy of your pets medical records. They MUST provide them to you unaltered (except payment history and/or personal remarks about YOU).


They do have the right to:


1. Make you sign a release.


2. Ask you to return for them at a later time.


3. Ask you to pay a per-copy fee.





Hope this helps.
Reply:People Drs. don't allow you to see their notes either.Never have.


Guess it's because they may write nasty comments about us in them to vent.If you really knew what your Dr. thought of you personally would you want to pay the bill?


I imagine vets are no different.


But as far as their notes being faxed it's doubtful that part of your dogs records would be sent anyway.Just his treatment record and such.