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I'm dealing with that now myself. I received complimentary x-rays last year--or perhaps it was the year before. I wasn't able to start work on my teeth due to lack of insurance, but I really have to get serious now. I called the dental office to see how I can get my records forwarded or given to me, and I was told I'd have to pay $145 unless I get the dental work there. I could see charging a nominal fee, but this is ridiculous!
Each state has a law or rule governing what can be charged. Look yours up on Google.
This is a common misconception among the general population. Speaking as a doctor who has been through several courses on this subject, the physical/electronic dental/medical records are actually the property of the doctor's office. However, they are legally required to give you a COPY, but the ORIGINAL is property of the office. As already mentioned, the doctor is well within their rights to charge a "nominal" fee for your copy. How much that "nominal" fee is is usually specified in state laws.
Bottom line:
1) They have to give you a COPY
2) They can charge you for the copy - how much is usually dictated by the state
3) The ORIGINAL is theirs
Bingo. Amazing how there are so many crazy patients who demand the original records as if they owned them. Funny how I don't remember seeing them at Office Depot with me paying for the files, papers, stationary services, labels, etc.
Bingo. Amazing how there are so many crazy patients who demand the original records as if they owned them. Funny how I don't remember seeing them at Office Depot with me paying for the files, papers, stationary services, labels, etc.
"I paid for my x-rays, they are mine". Funny how you don't remember saying you would only get x-rays that day if it was covered by insurance and you didn't have to pay anything out of pocket for them.
Add to the last 2 posts is that in the 9 states I work in the state makes the doctor accountable for all original records to keep and protect them.
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Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'm dealing with that now myself. I received complimentary x-rays last year--or perhaps it was the year before. I wasn't able to start work on my teeth due to lack of insurance, but I really have to get serious now. I called the dental office to see how I can get my records forwarded or given to me, and I was told I'd have to pay $145 unless I get the dental work there. I could see charging a nominal fee, but this is ridiculous!
