Accessing medical records

geek84

Good Morning Folks

I am a male in my 50s and have had health issues from birth.  A few years ago, I managed to get a record of my medical history from my doctor.  However, there are lots of medical terms and hand written notes that I cannot understand or don't know what they mean.
I contacted the doctor last year (before the virus outbreak) who said he hasn't got time to sit down and go through my medical records with me,  and now of course he is busy because of Covid19 etc.

Please advise where else I could ask for help to understand my medical records .

Thank You

steve51

Hi @geek84

Good Morning I do hope that you are enjoying this lovely weather?????

Yes I worked in the Medical Records at one of my former rehab units for over ten years.

Have you asked your Consultant/hospital that you attended???

Please let me know if you need any further help?????

@steve51

geek84

Good morning steve51
Many thanks for your speedy reply.
I haven't attended hospital for anything except during birth. I'm mostly interested in the medical records held by my GP. I persume my GP would also have details of any operations during birth?
Thanks 

steve51

Hi @geek84

No probs!!!!!!!

Yes you’re gp will be your best bet.

Can you contact your doctors surgery again to see if they can help??

Please let me know how things go & I will see if I can be off any further help/support.

@steve51

geek84

Thanks I did contact him last year when he said he hasn't the time to sit with me to go through my records with me and noe6I persume he'll say he's very busy because of covid 19?
Also I've changed doctors a few times so he might say he also cannot read the handwriting of previous doctors??

steve51

Hi @geek84

Yes things are very very difficult now as the gp’s are doing  there appointments over the phone.

I do hope that this help’s?????

Please please come back to me & we can look at other options for you.

@steve51

geek84

Thanks i persume he may have all my medical history on a computer rather than paperwork?

steve51

Hi @geek84

Yes all off your history should have followed you as you have changed your gp.

Your info should be on the system as when I worked in med recs I always had to do this  regularly.

@steve51

geek84

That's great thank you 

steve51

Hi @geek84

No probs my friend.

Please come back to me if you have any problems going forward?????

@steve51

geek84

Of course 

wilko

Hello, trying to understand medical terminology can be a problem we the consultant sends you information about your diagnosis and uses medical information, terminology. I have resulted to looking on line for the terminology used for a clearer understanding of my condition and concerns also when being prescribed a new medication. This has given me an insight into my possible prognosis and a better understanding of my conditions.  I don’t dwell on it the possible downsides of my findings but try to remain focused on the positive elements and be grateful that I could be a lot worst.

geek84

Thanks wilko

geek84

Hi Folks
An update ...
I rang the doctors who said I need to fill in a request form in order to access my medical records.  I  filled it in and give it in today  The form did mention that there will be a charge of between £10 and £50.  However, I have no idea of how they are going to decide on how much to charge.
The form also said the medical notes would be made available within 21 days.

Adrian_Scope

Hi @geek84. They shouldn't charge you to access your records (see here: How to access your health records). 

geek84

Oh I see ... thanks for that. However perhaps they mean that they would charge if I want a paper copy of the records, which ideally I would want.

poppy123456

Hi,

Your GP can charge you for paper copies of your medical records. How much this will be will depend on your GP surgery.

For medical terminolagy then using google may help as there's usually a huge amount of information available on there.

geek84

Thanks poppy123456

male45

hi @geek84
Hope you are keeping well and safe during these times.
Have you had any success obtaining your medical records yet?
I had to get copies of my records which went back the last 5 yes for my tribunal.  
I had to wait the 21 days but there was no charge and all came in paper form. 
As far as I understand  you are entitled to see you're reords with no charge.
I may be wrong.
I wish you good luck and maybe you will post here how you're getting on.

poppy123456

@male45 no charge for digital copies but they can charge for any paper copies.

male45

@poppy123456
Hi poppy. Yes I agree they can. I wasn't though, probably various doctors will do their own thing.

Hope you're keeping well  and staying safe.

geek84

Thanks folks I'll keep you updated...it's the waiting game now

geek84

Good Morning Folks

I hope you're all well.  So sorry for not giving you folks an update.  I have had some bad family news regarding Covid19 recently, so have been occupied with comforting relatives etc..

Anyway, I took my completed access to medical history request form to my doctors on 4th Aug.  On the form it stated that records would be available  within 3 weeks.  However, I only got a call from the surgery last week and I collected them.  Perhaps they have been busy with Covid19 etc?

On my medical tnotes, there are a fair few medical terms that I do not understand.  Do you suggest that I search online for meanings etc or shall I make an appointment with the doctor to discuss?

I am also thinking of joining some online groups for support and advice from individuals who have the same medical conditions.  In this case, do you tihnk I should just search on the internet for such groups, or use other social media such as Facebook?

Thank you