Question about presenting Doctor with medical history document

[Kilobite]

If I create a list of my medical history (ie: past surgeries, allergies, medications etc...) present it to a nonfamiliar Doctor and sign it in his presence, is it legally valid? If not, is it possible to make such a document valid?

Location: NB, Canada


Thank you very much in advance!

 

[sandyclaus]

If I create a list of my medical history, present it to a nonfamiliar Doctor and sign it in his presence, is it legally valid? Location: NB, Canada

Thank you very much in advance!

US Law Only.

 

[Kilobite]

My apologies, any suggestions for a Canadian website?

 

[Kilobite]

Actually, I'd like to know if this is legal in the United States as well to be honest, and if so, which specific states?

 

[Proserpina]

Actually, I'd like to know if this is legal in the United States as well to be honest, and if so, which specific states?

Google is your friend

 

[Kilobite]

Google is your friend

See the thing is, I don't even know where to begin... even with google, which is why I came to this website if you could point me in the right direction, that would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Proserpina]

See the thing is, I don't even know where to begin... even with google, which is why I came to this website if you could point me in the right direction, that would be greatly appreciated.

There are 50 states in the US, as you probably know. Each state has different laws; that's not even touching on Federal and/or Tribal law either.

The problem is that whatever the US says about a particular issue, it is not relevant to any other country. It's not that we don't want to help - it's rather we can't help.

The only hint I can honestly give you is that there appears to be no reason to use such a document; in the US if you want a copy of your medical history you can get a copy of the records. There are strict rules pertaining to who is and who is not entitled to these records without a court order.

 

[Kilobite]

There are 50 states in the US, as you probably know. Each state has different laws; that's not even touching on Federal and/or Tribal law either.

The problem is that whatever the US says about a particular issue, it is not relevant to any other country. It's not that we don't want to help - it's rather we can't help.

The only hint I can honestly give you is that there appears to be no reason to use such a document; in the US if you want a copy of your medical history you can get a copy of the records. There are strict rules pertaining to who is and who is not entitled to these records without a court order.

Thank you very much for the reply, and I do understand. In regards to your response though, speaking hypothetically as if I were a US citizen, once I obtained my own records, would I be allowed to with them what I please? On a Federal level even?

 

[Proserpina]

Thank you very much for the reply, and I do understand. In regards to your response though, speaking hypothetically as if I were a US citizen, once I obtained my own records, would I be allowed to with them what I please? On a Federal level even?

Your records don't strictly belong to you - they belong to the provider. You can get a copy, yes, but the originals will always stay with the provider.

If you want to make paper planes out of your copies? No law against that!

(Unless a local ordinance bars the flight of paper planes, anyway)

 

[Kilobite]

Your records don't strictly belong to you - they belong to the provider. You can get a copy, yes, but the originals will always stay with the provider.

If you want to make paper planes out of your copies? No law against that!

(Unless a local ordinance bars the flight of paper planes, anyway)

Haha, creative response. My last and final question relates to your previous comment... if I obtain a copy of the records, is it, "for my eyes only" so to speak? You've been most helpful thus far, and again, I appreciate it.

 

[Proserpina]

Haha, creative response. My last and final question relates to your previous comment... if I obtain a copy of the records, is it, "for my eyes only" so to speak? You've been most helpful thus far, and again, I appreciate it.

Nope - you can share with anyone.

Just please note that (and again, this pertains to the US) amending or otherwise doctoring (no pun intended) your copy and passing them off as accurate and true may land you in hot water.

 

[Kilobite]

Nope - you can share with anyone.

Just please note that (and again, this pertains to the US) amending or otherwise doctoring (no pun intended) your copy and passing them off as accurate and true may land you in hot water.

I get the feeling everyone thinks I am some criminal now by asking these questions lol quite honestly these are just relevant to a start-up I had in mind, and was wondering which countries it may appeal to. It's been nice, but you have answered my questions quick and efficiently. Great community, thanks again!

+1

 

[FlyingRon]

Actually, with the limited exception of psychotherapy notes, you have complete rights of access to your medical records and may do with them what you please. In fact, if you feel there are errors the providers are required to amend them with your corrections.

I'm still not understanding what good having the new provider signing them is.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

I'm trying to determine what you think the point of it is. A doctor only recognizes medical diagnosis from other medical practitioners. Anything you present, absent that supporting documentation, is considered a source for exploration if necessary, not medical fact.

I get the feeling everyone thinks I am some criminal now by asking these questions lol quite honestly these are just relevant to a start-up I had in mind, and was wondering which countries it may appeal to. It's been nice, but you have answered my questions quick and efficiently. Great community, thanks again!

+1

 

[Proserpina]

Actually, with the limited exception of psychotherapy notes, you have complete rights of access to your medical records and may do with them what you please. In fact, if you feel there are errors the providers are required to amend them with your corrections.

I'm still not understanding what good having the new provider signing them is.

In the US, all that is required is that the provider adds the patient's note. They cannot change the original record in that manner.