Medical Records!

[jeydee]

What is the name of your state? CA

Would appreciate any information regarding any of these questions:

1) How long do doctors keep the medical records of their previous patients?

2) Are one's medical records kept on a national dadabase? (i.e. linked to one's social security).

3) If one is on an individual health plan with a certain insurance company and wanted to switch to another insurance company, does the old insurance companiy provide his medical records to the new company?

4) What if a pre-existing condition stabilizes (medication or treatment no more required) how long does the insurance company keep this condition on the record, and does it at any time disclose this old condition to other insurance companies.

Thanks

[cbg]

1) How long do doctors keep the medical records of their previous patients?

I imagine that would be up to the individual doctor.

2) Are one's medical records kept on a national dadabase? (i.e. linked to one's social security).

No.

3) If one is on an individual health plan with a certain insurance company and wanted to switch to another insurance company, does the old insurance companiy provide his medical records to the new company?

No. The old insurance company doesn't have your complete "medical records" either; only records of what bills have been paid and any medical information that may have been needed to establish eligilbity for payment under their plan. But these records are not turned over the the new company - they are the property of the old company.

This doesn't mean that the new company will never see any of this information - the new company may very well request some of it from the doctor.

4) What if a pre-existing condition stabilizes (medication or treatment no more required) how long does the insurance company keep this condition on the record, and does it at any time disclose this old condition to other insurance companies.

As long as they keep the records. They do not turn their records over to other companies.

Now, why don't you tell us what it is you really want to know? Obviously you are very concerned that your new insurance company may get hold of some piece of information - instead of asking question in a vaccum, give us some details and maybe we can give you some answers.

[somarco]

1)For a very long time. Usually until they retire from medicine if not longer.

2)No

3)No

4)You can always reapply with the same carrier, or a new one if you condition is cured. Your carrier will report their findings to MIB but not to another carrier.

[jeydee]

Thanks for the replies.
cbg: My questions may have appeared in a vacuum because the issue is quite complicated and I didn't want to bore the readers with unnecessary details. Your reply (and somarco's) was all I needed. Thanks again.

[cbg]

That's entirely up to you.

Just be aware that when we don't know the circumstances of the questions we're answering, the possibility increases that we'll miss any potential exceptions to the rule.

[somarco]

Just a wag, but it would appear you (or someone you know) are attempting to learn ways to commit fraud against a carrier. Keep in mind that, if that is your/their intent, the final outcome will most likely be something different than what is intended.

Carriers are not stupid.