How to get medical records?

[mamo23]

Hi All - My brother was in ICU and I was the one, who signed the consent for his tracheostomy and PEG and the hospital didn't even asked for my ID to make sure I am the sister, let alone asking for POA. However; now that I am asking to get access to his medical records, they are not sharing that, saying due to HIPPA policy they can't. When I searched more, it seems under FHCDA (Family Health Care Decision Act) they should share his medical records. Wanted to see if you had the same experience and how did you get access to your loved one medical records?

Thank you

[Sepsur]

Frequently there is a link on the hospital website - it isn’t always easy to find 😬

[mamo23 in reply to Sepsur]

I asked through that link and filled out the form. they still didn't give access to his medical records and they excuse was HIPPA policy. Did you have POA?

[Sepsur in reply to mamo23]

I had no problem because it was for me. Are you your brother legal next of kin?

[mamo23 in reply to Sepsur]

Yes, I am

[Sepsur in reply to mamo23]

Do you have POA ? Since he hasn’t the capacity to ask for himself - I believe you are entitled to request notes. Citizens Advice, I’m sure, could advise.

[Gooddaysunshine]

My situation is not as complicated as yours, but my intensive care stay crossed over three different hospitals, one of which was immediately closed after the last batch of patients left (Nightingale).

I found that getting the help of the PALS teams at each hospital trust was a help, as was emailing directly the handful of specialists whose names I could remember.

[downthemoor]

Keep pushing! I got some of my records from the medical records application but they said ICU couldn't provide theirs and only got ED ones and X-rays. PALS intervened and I got them within a week!

[mamo23 in reply to downthemoor]

Thank you. I can't find the right link to PALS. Can you share it please?

[mamo23 in reply to downthemoor]

Thank you. I can't find the right link to PALS. Can you share it please?

[Sepsur in reply to mamo23]

Each hospital will have its own PALS team - there isn’t a centralized organisation

[BigH63]

Hi Mamo23.

I’m sorry to hear you’re having to battle to get these. As Downthemoor has said PALS is a good place to go but you can talk to the Hospital Advocate and ask they get involved see link

voiceability.org/about-advo...

Wishing all the best.

[mamo23 in reply to BigH63]

thank you so much, that was very helpful

[Alex-Brighton-76]

The only thing I can say is go to PALS and your brother's consultant if you have POA or even just next of kin then I can't see what their problem is, if your still having a problem then ask for an Advocate who will work with you to get too right right result