Withholding prescription

[elainegeiger]

What is the name of your state? MD
My eye care provider is holding my contact lens prescription hostage. I went to this provider and had my exam. When I left I received an incomplete prescription. When I called back to get the missing information he told me he couldn't give it to me because I owed money on the account. Then he told me he would fax it to me but the fax machine was broken. Then he told me he could not give it to me unless the Dr. was there. Then he told me the only way he would give it to me was if I came in. I recently changed jobs and I cannot get to their location unless I use vacation time to leave work early. This man refuses to give me my prescription over the phone. Can I report this business/provider as violating the HIPPA act? What can I do?What is the name of your state?

[panzertanker]

Originally Posted by elainegeiger

Can I report this business/provider as violating the HIPPA act?

No, this is not a HIPAAviolation.

Originally Posted by elainegeiger

What can I do?

Pay your bill in full. Then you will receive your Rx.

Originally Posted by elainegeiger

What is the name of your state?

They call it "Florida". I call it "hot".

[elainegeiger]

My bill is paid in full, actually it always was. And still he will not give me my prescription over the phone. I believe that patients have the right to their own records. If not under HIPPA then certainly as part of another law.
still, anything I can do?

[panzertanker]

Originally Posted by elainegeiger

My bill is paid in full, actually it always was. And still he will not give me my prescription over the phone. I believe that patients have the right to their own records. If not under HIPPA then certainly as part of another law.
still, anything I can do?

You can have a copy of your records based on the established policy of the practice.
Go to them and do it in person. Apparently you are telling us that they will not "give it to you over the phone" b/c that is against their policy.
You may have to take a day off work to get what you need.

[elainegeiger]

For everyone else who may read this, I went and did some investigation on my own and this is what I found:
The Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act was signed by President Bush on December 6th, 2003 with an effective date of February 4th, 2004. It was written to protect you from the conflict of interest where eye doctors both prescribe and sell lenses. Here are your new rights under this law:

Right to Your Prescription
You have a right to your prescription automatically and unconditionally. Once your contact lens fitting is done, your eye doctor must give you a copy of your prescription -- whether you ask for it or not - and without an extra fee or the need to sign a waiver or form.

Right to Have Your Prescription Verified
Whenever you want to buy your lenses from a retailer your doctor must cooperate. If your eye doctor does not respond to our request for verification within eight business hours, the prescription is considered verified, and you will receive your lenses.

[ecmst12]

Send him a certified letter informing him of this law and your intent to take legal action if he doesn't fax your prescription or overnight mail it to you (at his expense) within 24 hours of receipt of the letter.