What is the name of your state? This question refers to CA.
Through a filing mistake by my old insurance company, I wasn't covered for a month and ended up owing a doctor about $500.00, of which I have not yet paid (I was laid off an have not found employment yet).
I recently tried to apply for health insurance again, and when the insurance carrier called this doctor to obtain my medical records, the doctor said she would not release my records because I had not paid the bill and would not release them until I paid it. Obviously the insurance company has denied coverage.
My question is, does a doctor have the right to withhold my medical records because I owe her money? It would seem to me that there are legal avenues, if she so chooses, such as sending me to collections, etc. and that withholding medical records from an insurance company for any reason would be illegal.
Thanks.
Sabrynne
Through a filing mistake by my old insurance company, I wasn't covered for a month and ended up owing a doctor about $500.00, of which I have not yet paid (I was laid off an have not found employment yet).
I recently tried to apply for health insurance again, and when the insurance carrier called this doctor to obtain my medical records, the doctor said she would not release my records because I had not paid the bill and would not release them until I paid it. Obviously the insurance company has denied coverage.
My question is, does a doctor have the right to withhold my medical records because I owe her money? It would seem to me that there are legal avenues, if she so chooses, such as sending me to collections, etc. and that withholding medical records from an insurance company for any reason would be illegal.
Thanks.
Sabrynne