Posted by Emily Elizabeth on September 18, 2005, at 0:30:55
In reply to Re: Do paients have the rt to C their file??? » Phillipa, posted by Gabbix2 on September 17, 2005, at 23:26:02
Okay, I read through most of this thread, and I had to interject.
In the US, the law that relates to this issue is called HIPPA. This just went into effect 1-2 yrs ago. It applies across states and to all medical records. Google it.
However, the major issue here is not whether you CAN see your file, but whether you WANT to see your file. True, most t's and pdocs will try to encourage you not to see your file, but that is in order to minimize the harm to YOU. Psychology and psychiatry have their own clinical language and way of describing things. It can be very hard emotionally and confusing to read someone's clinical notes on your personality and innermost struggles. It is not like reading, for example, your chart from your OB-GYN. Good mental health professionals write your file as if you would indeed read it some day--sensitive, respectful, etc. However, what seems sensitive to your pdoc may feel cold and judgemental to you--even if your pdoc loves you.
If you decide that you want to see your file, you will want to do so with the pdoc present, so s/he can clarify anything that is confusing. If it is a legal matter, perhaps it makes sense to ask a lawyer exactly what you would need. Or ask pdoc what you should tell the lawyer. Or if you doubt how your pdoc has treated you, seek out a new pdoc for an eval (frankly, if his treatment stinks, his chart notes are likely to be useless too).
I hope I expressed myself clearly here. It would break my heart if you, or other p-babblers, exposed themselves to even more pain. Please feel free to ask me to clarify. I wish you only good luck.
Best,
EE
poster:Emily Elizabeth
thread:555678
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050916/msgs/556276.html