diagnosed with lymphoma

[Rich_in_Tampa]

Google has a confidential utility for tracking your health information. I access it at google/com/health - I think you need a google account.

There are places for tests, treatments, and much more. Plus you can get to it from any computer on the web, share it, get some links.

[Rich_in_Tampa]

Quote:

Does anyone know if you have a right to sit and read your own chart in a doctors office? I think I would like to do that.

Generally speaking a patient has a right to receive any and all information recorded about their health care. However, my understanding is that the provider owns the physical records they generate. Practically speaking the patient may request and the provider is obliged to provide accurate and complete copies of the record. A reasonable administrative fee is allowable, for copying, mailing, etc.

As to sitting down and reading the original records in the office, I would not permit that in my practice for fear that someone not of good taith would alter, delete, or add to it to further a possible malpractice litigation or other secondary agenda. I guess you could assign someone to monitor them, but that's really a stretch.

Patients request their records for lots of reasons, and I've never had any problem sending copies.

[Nords]

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Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa As to sitting down and reading the original records in the office, I would not permit that in my practice for fear that someone not of good taith would alter, delete, or add to it to further a possible malpractice litigation or other secondary agenda. I guess you could assign someone to monitor them, but that's really a stretch.

After I've been escorted to the waiting room and I hear the file dropped in the little wall holder by the door, I prop open the door, pull up a chair, and start browsing.

It's either plenty of time for good reading, or someone comes by pretty quickly to finish the appointment.

[shoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nords After I've been escorted to the waiting room and I hear the file dropped in the little wall holder by the door, I prop open the door, pull up a chair, and start browsing. It's either plenty of time for good reading, or someone comes by pretty quickly to finish the appointment.

Nords if they ever catch you doing that you could be labeled a "difficult" patient....just like Elaine and Uncle Leo.

[Nords]

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Originally Posted by shoe Nords if they ever catch you doing that you could be labeled a "difficult" patient....just like Elaine and Uncle Leo.

During my submarine sea-duty days we used to have to pass nuclear-weapons inspections whose success (or failure) depended on the quality of the medical records. I quickly learned the attitude of "trust, but verify".

If a doctor is offended by inquisitive patients then I move on.

Our neighborhood clinic is filled with residents. I'm only there once or twice a year and I don't think I've ever seen the same doctor twice. They're usually very very good with patients, and they almost never try to pretend that they're omniscient or omnipotent.

The specialists and the older guys, however... but I can understand how they'd burn out.

[Sue J]

I switched pediatricians once and asked for a copy of my son's records. He said he'd do it, but what I got was not a copy of the records, it was a one page summary saying that my son had been a patient, and that his vaccinations were up to date. No details at all.

I had already seen the new pediatrician and on the first exam he noticed things that the first doctor should have noticed. I wanted a copy of the records to see if the first pediatrician had noted these things. He knew I had switched doctors already and wouldn't give me any detailed info.

I was very glad I switched doctors, the new pediatrician was great and the first one was nasty.

[TromboneAl]

Taking a camera with you might work for copying your records quickly and easily.

[Martha]

Under the privacy provisions of HIPAA people have the right to copies of their medical records and most records of their minor children. There are some exceptions, for example, your minor children's records for treatment which does not require parental consent, psychotherapy notes, and if seeing the records would endanger your life or someone else's life.

[Sue J]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martha Under the privacy provisions of HIPAA people have the right to copies of their medical records and most records of their minor children. There are some exceptions, for example, your minor children's records for treatment which does not require parental consent, psychotherapy notes, and if seeing the records would endanger your life or someone else's life.

This was in 1986-87 and when I asked why I couldn't have copies of the actual records I was told that he had given me all the info he was required to by law.

My son was 2 and the new pediatrician found that he had an undescended testicle and was referring us to a pediatric urologist. The previous pediatrician had never mentioned anything about it. Also, my son was full-term but only 4lbs. 1 oz at birth (insufficient placenta) and the nasty pediatrician accused me of smoking through the pregnancy and lying about it. I've never smoked. He was just awful.

I voted with my feet, found a wonderful doctor and both my kids stayed with him until age 18.

[ratface]

No one has refused any record I have asked for, some are more accomdating than others and the records contain information which they never tell you because to them it is not pertinent. For instance in my type of cancer being HPV positive can cause the cancer. The main cause of the cancer is smoking and drinking combined. Since I smoked and drank they never bothered to test me for HPV. The rub is that survival rates for HPV positive persons is higher. I have since requested that the test be done. Also for anyone that dosen't know there is a vaccination for young girls before they become sexually active which can prevent HPV and I believe some cervical cancers. I also heard today that a vacination will soon be available for young boys and prevent probably what I have absent the drinking and smoking. I had my daughter vaccinated years ago.

Freebird and Martha I printed out the sections you cited just in case anyone gives me grief.

Rich I tried twice to sign up for the google heath profile and both times I could not activate the account and it kept expiring. Perhaps they are experiencing some glitch. Sounds cool though and I'll try again.

I can't thank-you enough for the continued interest. Everyday I come to the forum to see whats new with the posts. I'm slowly becomming interested in what brought me here in the first place.

[REWahoo]

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Originally Posted by ratface Everyday I come to the forum to see whats new with the posts. I'm slowly becomming interested in what brought me here in the first place.

The off-color jokes?

[Urchina]

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Originally Posted by REWahoo The off-color jokes?

Or was it the bacon flowchart? Truly worth the server space, truly.

Keep on truckin! Glad your skylight (and you) are holding up.

[Moemg]

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Originally Posted by ratface . Everyday I come to the forum to see whats new with the posts. I'm slowly becomming interested in what brought me here in the first place.

It must be the ever changing avatars ! I've read the book "When bad things happen to good people " . It was okay . I'd get it from the library rather than buying it .Have you read any books or articles on the stages of grief ? Most patients I cared for with Cancer went through the stages of grief and it helps to know it is normal and ways to deal with them . By the way You are really doing great with the treatments .

[citrine]

Ratface...thanks for keeping us up to date.....I hope this week is fantabulous and that you stay in good cheer

[DangerMouse]

Ratface, glad to see you are checking in regularly with updates. Hopefully in 5 years time you will be dragging this thread back to the top to remind us that you have been in remission for that long. Hang in there, I know it can't be easy, but once you come out the other side it will all have been worth it.

[freebird5825]

Do the best you can with the shakes and ice cream.

[bbbamI]

You may want to try different flavors of popsicles, puddings and jello. You might be able to tolerate applesauce as well. Try soaking cereal in milk until it's soft and suck on mints/hard candies to keep your mouth moist.

[Urchina]

I'm telling you, pistachio-flavored pudding from Jell-O! It's awesome (if you're into fake pistachio flavoring and green food coloring, which, apparently, I am)!

Or, you could cruise for the best milkshake in town.

This too shall pass, and you'll have a line on top-notch milkshakes to amaze and astonish your friends with.

[Dawg52]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urchina I'm telling you, pistachio-flavored pudding from Jell-O! It's awesome (if you're into fake pistachio flavoring and green food coloring, which, apparently, I am)! Or, you could cruise for the best milkshake in town. This too shall pass, and you'll have a line on top-notch milkshakes to amaze and astonish your friends with.

Glad to see I'm not the only one into green food. A little whip cream on top and your good to go. I know there has to be some here that's into whip cream.

Thanks for all the updates Ratface. Looks like you are handling the situation very well.

[ratface]

Looks like the chemo always knocks me to my knees. Just a long day. Radiation first so I don't barf in the mask and then the 4 hours of infusion with the cisplatin. No barfing yet but nausea and just constant fatigue. Appetite horible again. I've been stocking up on the puddings, jellos, and icecream.Then Saturday driving from Chicago to Urbana and back with the usual shopping for stuff and helping out with the college apartment for DS. Last knight the neighbors were fighting in a language I don't understand around 3 AM and I got up at 5 am to start the college trek. I wish I at least knew what they were so mad at. Time for a quite night I hope?