Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

Who do I contact in Texas? My treating doctor refused to give me my medical records (I asked for last years) – said I could only get my test results from the issuing Drs/testing centers. He also gave me a work release that exceeds my medical capabilities! Restricted duty - “DOT sedentary”, lift less than 10lbs for no more than 2-3hrs per day (no way I could lift 10lbs 2-3hrs!) and I am in bed or my recliner most of the day. He said, quote “no pain is no excuse not to work”. I worry that on my next visit he might change it to be less restricted.

I had a multi-roll-over auto accident and then a semi truck hit my upside-down car. God, my seatbelt and airbags saved my life.

Medical records I do have:
Imaging 12/30/03:
• Severe compression fracture of T12 vertebral, 60-75%loss.
• Significant posterior retropulsed fragment of the margin of the T12 vertebral body superiorly, producing central canal stenosis and compression of the spinal cord. See Image #6/14 off the fourth sequence 12/30/03 This compresses the cord at the conus
• Additional vertical component of the fracture on the right posterolateral margin, seen as high signal intensity change on the trans-sagittal T2
• Abnormality of the inferior endplate of L1, appears to be Schmorl’s node
Myelogram 2/19/04:
• Broad base disk bulge at the C4-C5 level, narrowing of the AP diameter of the canal. Similar narrowing at C5-C6
• Broad base disk bulge less at the C6-C7

Nancy

I think I had to fill out a release of medical info for my records. Under the new laws - if they refuse to give you the records I think you have the right to take action against them.

There may be a copying fee - and I think they can take up to 30 days to get them to you.

Just ask to sign a release of Medical information - when it says what records - check other - put in there all records pertaining to (your name) including all hand written notes. If they refuse - then kindly remind them of the HIPAA regulations

I only had One issue when it came to getting copies of my med records. I was told from the dr's office that the ic had to sign off that I could get them. Just before I got on the phone with the ic, I received a call from the dr's office saying I could get them.

nancy .... pooh is right on the mark... follow her instructions first. Chances are, the doctor doesn't even know the policies of his office...but the clerk will adn she will be able to help you...however if they still refuse...there should be a HIPPA representative in your county... search that on the internet. You could call them as well. Also you could notify your states Medical Boards and file a complaint about this issue. The information in the record by law belongs to you. The paper that it it written on belong to the office or hospital. Therefore there will be a copying fee by the page for all records.

Hi.
HIPPA laws give YOU the right to obtain your own med records as long as you sign a release. You may have to pay a fee for the copying....but you can exercise your right to obtain them. I had trouble too getting my records even tho I had signed a release...but I now know it is my right. WC also tried to tell me that I was not allowed to obtain copies of their MD reports on myself because I did not pay for the exam...they did. I later found out that this was total bunk!
Good luck, Lilly

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wc/dwccontacts.html

http://www.hipaa.org/

http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/