How to get copies of my medical file

[tdkstratus]

Hiya

 

I've been trying to get copies of letters, tests, results from Docs/Hospital/Optician/Work HR. So far I've managed to get from the optician (only for this year so far) and HR are looking into it. I contacted my GP and am still waiting to hear back.

 

The hospital on the other hand is a bit more tricky. To get copies from my file it'll cost me £10. But if the information goes over 20 pages i'll need to pay out another £40.

 

Does this seem right?

[druidsam]

i thought everyone had a right to see there medical files??......just ask to see them and take digital photos of everything , dont think they can stop you doing that, after all they are "your" files

[Scully]

Hello,

 

I paid £10 for my hospital files, they call it an admin fee ! Seems expensive photocopying to me....

 

You have a right to see your GP files, and I don't think they charge for this, although some may well do.

 

There is another member who has been grappling with copies of letters from their GP so it can be a bit of a minefield.

 

I personally would write to the GP surgery and request a copy of your file, and see what they say in return. Likewise with the hospital files. It could be that you only want copies of letters back and forth, which should keep the pagination down a little?

 

Scully

x

 

 

[Stumbler]

Try starting your letter :- "In accordance with the terms of the Data Protection Act, 1998, I would like to request........."

 

That should work.

 

[PaulX]

Try starting your letter :- "In accordance with the terms of the Data Protection Act, 1998, I would like to request........."

 

That should work.

 

Is there something in particular that you are wanted to see and have a copy of.

If that is the case then you could ask the receptionist or admin person at your surgery for a copy giving suitable dates and and idea of content. You don't need to tell them why, but it is easy enough to say for my records or insurance purposes, at least one of which is true.

I did this and though it took two goes, it was successful.

 

I found this link helpful. http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/1309.aspx?categoryid=68&subcategoryid=160

Personally I wouldn't start mentioning the data protection act until it is obvious they are dragging their heels. I find a smile and a friendly but firm request works well.

 

Paul

[tdkstratus]

Just had a reply from my GP surgery. They are going to charge a £15 admin fee and then 65p for every copy made. That along with what the hospital will charge I'm not sure if I can afford it. Although the information in the hospital notes might be the same as the ones in my GP notes. Totally unsure of which route to take now.

[Stumbler]

Terri, there are maximum amounts that they can charge, although this may be equally restrictive :-

 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/governmentcitizensandrights/yourrightsandresponsibilities/dg_10031451

 

[pigeon64]

I have not had to ask for anything like this as yet. But my GP is pretty good. If I am expecting a letter to go to him he most often prints it off for me as I can never remember what he has told me. Hope you get it all sorted out and soon. We should not have to pay so steeply for something we have the right to see.