Medical records...

marcopolio · 03-09-2004, 13:41

Hi there,

I am a new user of this very good board, so if this is in the wrong place - sorry!

I was wondering if anybody has any knowledge about medical records and whether you can request to view your medical records at any time?

I was also wondering if you can request for an item to be removed from your medical records?

I know that sound like a silly question but the problem I have is that there is something in my medical records that may prevent me getting a career I really want, but have done a very silly thing in the past that no longer affects me

Any suggestions would be very helpful

Nugget · 03-09-2004, 13:48

You can request to view your records at any time (but I think you have to do it at the surgery). As for having things removed, I've got to be honest and say I don't know, but I very much doubt it.

03-09-2004, 13:49

Yes you can request a copy of your medical records as allowed by the Data Protection Act.

Im not aware of a process that you can go through to have something removed when it is correct. You can have factually incorrect items removed.

03-09-2004, 13:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nugget

You can request to view your records at any time (but I think you have to do it at the surgery).

Request has to be made in writing and there can be a charge for this

Ramrod · 03-09-2004, 13:51

iirc--The freedom of information act (?1987) allows you to see your medical records/obtain a copy of them (there may be a reasonable admin fee charged)
Your medical records may not be altered in any way after the event. New information may be placed in them to amend the earlier information but the earlier info. cannot (by law) be erased.
.............unless anything has changed since I was taught 10 y.ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gary_580

You can have factually incorrect items removed.

I believe the notes can be added to to show that the items were factually incorrect originally, but if you were to actually remove those items then you may render other (later) notes (and recorded treatment) nonsensical.

Chris W · 03-09-2004, 13:52

Nope... nothing has changed... and the reasonable admin fee... is not allowed to be more than ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£10

zovat · 03-09-2004, 14:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

iirc--The freedom of information act (?1987) allows you to see your medical records/obtain a copy of them (there may be a reasonable admin fee charged)
Your medical records may not be altered in any way after the event. New information may be placed in them to ammend the earlier information but the earlier info. cannot (by law) be erased.
.............unless anything has changed since I was taught 10 y.ago.

Nothing much has changed since then mate, it has just got a bit easier, as most surgeries keep both paper and electronic versions of your records.

If there is an inaccuracy on the records, then you can get it changed, however you cannot have references to treatment or diagnosis removed.

Most surgeries charge a small fee for this service (normally ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£5-10), partly to cover the cost of making the copies, and partly to dissuade people from requesting copies every time they go in "just in case the doctor has written something nasty about me" (don't laugh - I had one person request their army medical records, on the grounds that the doctor who had treated her last knew her ex-boyfriend.....)

As to "embarrasing items in your past" - there is no way to have that treatment removed, but in terms of your records, a potential employer cannot see them without your permission.
Most employers request that they be able to see them, then write to the doc asking if there are any ongoing health issues that they may need to be aware of for insurance purposes -beyond that they have no real interest in your medical history.

marcopolio · 03-09-2004, 14:16

Ta very much for the replies - this site is really a fountain on knowledge!!

zoombini · 03-09-2004, 14:54

Thats why a lot of us use nowhere else, we come straight here.

**Damien** · 03-09-2004, 14:58

if it no longer affects you then they cant stop employing you, unless it has a chance to re-occur

marcopolio · 03-09-2004, 15:46

It doesnt affect me anymore but the problem (all my own fault to be fair) could prevent me getting the job if flagged during or after the selection process.

Any suggestions on glossing over this particular aspect of my past?

**Stuart** · 03-09-2004, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcopolio

It doesnt affect me anymore but the problem (all my own fault to be fair) could prevent me getting the job if flagged during or after the selection process.

Any suggestions on glossing over this particular aspect of my past?

Have they asked (or are they likely to ask) for permission to look at your medical records? I think, by law, your doctor has to have your consent to release the records.

btw

**Damien** · 03-09-2004, 15:53

as far as i know if the problem doesnt effect you (or wont effect you in future i.e its completely cured) then the employer has no right to see it. Unless it is something that would still interefere with the job.

Its hard for us to know, ask your GP or a law professional

**Chris** · 03-09-2004, 15:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcopolio

It doesnt affect me anymore but the problem (all my own fault to be fair) could prevent me getting the job if flagged during or after the selection process.

Any suggestions on glossing over this particular aspect of my past?

I can't believe no-one's asked you what it is yet. So, what did you have? We want details.

If we don't get them, we can always fill the gaps with speculation.

marcopolio · 03-09-2004, 15:55

The doc would have a small questionnaire to fill in with access to the medical questionnaire that I have filled in (in which I would need to gloss over the 'problem') - so if the doc disagrees with my answer then this would prevent the application going any further.

I was thinking that as I would have to take the questionnaire to the doc then I could influence what is put (any medical persons input here would be greatly appreciated!!!).

Anyway, the problem itself is not medical - more to do with substances

Edit: Just seen the above thread and I was taking certain things that people should not be taking, especially when 6mths down the line you are applying for jobs which require a medical history questionnaire.

Anybody want to discuss this, then ask me a question! I will answer as fully and honestly as I can.