What’s your’s is mine. It certainly isn’t yours

[Jim987]

Attended OPD for ECG 10 years ago. Asked for copy. Denied.

I was quoted the Data Protection Act (UK) 1998 and hospital policy.

Returned home humiliated and deeply traumatised. Many subsequent years of psychotherapy. Even now unable to come to terms with the invasion of personal space.

EDIT. Please see this in the light of the humorous intent with which it was intended. Beyond being somewhat irritated at the time, after an espresso and a couple of gauloise, I had recovered my sangfroid.

OK I do bring it up from time to time with my psychologist as we enjoy a laugh with a glass of Merlot.

[CDreamer]

I suggest that you visit Rethink Mental Health website, this paragraph is most often cited as a reason to withhold sight of your notes:-

You can see your records. But your doctor can withhold information if it may harm your physical or mental health.

[Jim987 in reply to CDreamer]

I hadn’t realised that the OPD manager who had never met me and had no access to my records was in a position to make that judgement.

Surprised at your response CDreamer, to my tongue in cheek anecdote which I at least consider amusing. Sense of humour failure perhaps?

[bantam12]

It’s standard practice that the referring Dr reviews medical results before releasing them to patients.

[BenHall1]

Okay ......... pretend I'm a total idiot - so what is OPD please. Then I'll understand better.

[Jim987 in reply to BenHall1]

You are a total idiot 🙂

[BenHall1 in reply to Jim987]

An answer is still required if you can!

[Jalia in reply to BenHall1]

Now John...even I worked that out 🤔😅

[BenHall1 in reply to Jalia]

Well good for you. Many contributors on here live in outside UK. I have lived half my life ( most of my adult life ) in Australia. The healthcare system in many cases ( not all, but many) uses different terminology. Thankfully, until AF mugged me I've never spent any time in the care of any organisation other than GP. Even more thankfully I have been super fit and managed to get my AF highly controlled so that all I need now is my repeat prescription, unlike many folk who seem to live in medical facilities.

[Jim987 in reply to BenHall1]

Roared with laughter at your last comment

[Jalia in reply to BenHall1]

Ouch!

[CDreamer in reply to BenHall1]

Organic Personality Disorder - which explains a lot! Ignore.

[BenHall1 in reply to CDreamer]

Hiya CD ..... obviously my day of learning. Your instructions duly noted. 👍👍

[Jim987]

I’ll have a go (loved “if you can!”)

Back in the day it used to be the Out Patients Department. Hope no offence taken. My throwaway was meant to be humorous as I’m sure you know. I do enjoy a bit of banter

[Cavalierrubie]

Have you asked for a copy since then? Perhaps things have changed (we can hope!) When l was first diagnosed (by the Paramedics at home 6 years ago) they gave me a copy, to keep, to confirm the diagnosis because AF can be difficult to detect. I understand how you must have felt. It would have made me worse mentally and physically, thinking it was serious and l was going to die. That’s just me, unfortunately l am a pessimist.

[Desanthony in reply to Cavalierrubie]

I have asked for copies of all things and never been denied - even provided discs for copies to be put on - changed £10.00 for time taken to put on disc but never been refused yet. If you are able to get full access to the NHS App in UK it should be available on there shouldn't it? though I know it's hard to get on. Only available where I am in Wales since Easter and still not managed to register - still waiting for an e mail from them that should have taken 10 days! When I am bored will try and register again!

[Jim987 in reply to Desanthony]

Clearly a tech savvy and determined patient (this was10 years ago). Maybe an ecg may be on the app, I’ve never seen mine.

[mjames1]

In the States, we used to have the same problem, with our doctors and the hospitals being the gatekeeper of medical records.

Thankfully, In 2021, patient advocacy groups successfully pushed for a law requiring simultaneous release of health records to patients and doctors.

Because of that -- and with pretty much everything online these days -- I often see my test results before the doctors that order it do.

Also due to lobbying by patient advocacy groups, Direct Access Testing (DAT) laws allow patients to order certain lab tests without a physician’s order, empowering us as patients even more. The tests available are still limited and are usually not covered by insurance, but it's a start.

As a personal example, I might want to monitor my cholesterol more than the once a year my doctor orders, when experimenting with different diets. For $40 I can do that whenever I want.

Jim

[Jim987 in reply to mjames1]

Good god , here in the UK we are clearly still living in the dark ages

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Jim987]

Don’t forget that in the U S patients have to pay, here we don’t, well not yet! but it seems to be slowly going that way. If you buy something then legally it is yours? There are several companies here in the UK where you can get private tests. Bupa is one. I expect there wil be lots more in the future for financial gain.

[Jim987 in reply to Cavalierrubie]

If you buy and register a car it’s legally yours to dispose of.

My ECG is a unique record of my cardiac electrical function and as such you might think I was entitled to a copy.

By giving consent for it to be recorded, whether paid for or not it will belong to the hospital.

Rather like photographer/ client relationship in UK law unless you buy the images and copyright of same.