Legal Question in Administrative Law in Texas

Doctor Keeping Records

My ex-doctor office is asking for an outragious fee to transfer my records. The doctor receiving the files worked there, then went to another clinic. They want $25 plus $.15 a page over 20 pages. I have been going to this doctor office for 34 years, and my file is rather large. They even want the money if I personally pick up the files. Aren't these mine? Can they charge me so much money. I have some medical problems that need to be addressed, but I cannot afford to give these people close to $75 just for my own files.


Asked on 12/19/01, 2:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Velte IV Paul C. Velte IV, Attorney at Law

Re: Doctor Keeping Records

Now you know why I hate doctors. They just don't care about their patients' welfare, more often than not. Doctors routinely rip me off for my clients' records. This is one topic I have never had occasion to research; though I have heard for years from other lawyers that those records are YOURS and they cannot legally deny you the originals. If they insist on keeping a copy to "protect themselves," then they have to bear that expense. I suppose somewhere there is a law or regulation on this topic. I'd suggest you do a complete search in federal and state legal databases for guidance on this. Or just get your new doc to force them to cough them up. If he won't, then he's in cahoots with them it would seem.

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Answered on 12/20/01, 6:45 pm


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