My plastic surgeon is denying me my operative summary! What can I do?

Question

My primary FL was on 11/2020 and went disastrously so he did a revision after 16 months yet I still have issues. I asked for operative summary to move to another PS. The office said they can only give me the OS of the second but not the first surgery as they don't keep it on record for more than a year! I am sure he wants to cover up. Is this legit? What are my rights? How can I proceed?

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

I think that medical records must be maintained for seven years. You can check with your state medical association. Once you confirm how long they must be kept you can contact your surgeon's office again to politely request them indicating to them what you have learned from contacting the association.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!
I believe records need to be maintained for 7 years. They should have an operative report handy within 2. I work recommend you formally request all records. I would also recommend you check with your state board of health to see if you can get some answers. You should have a right to your records.
Best of luck to you!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I'm not certain of the laws in your particular state, but it does not sound reasonable to me that you would not be able to obtain an operative report from November of 2020.  If you have already seen another plastic surgeon, you could ask that office to request your records and perhaps this would be easier for you.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

As a patient you are legally entitled to a copy of all medical records, including pictures, videos, financials.
Write a letter requesting All Medical records and starting date and ending date for continuity of care. send it return receipt. Make a copy and mail that copy to your self but do not open it (keep it in safe place).
By law in almost all states you are entitled to a copy of the medical records. (I believe it is a Federal Law).
Lawyers can help and the Medical Board can help if it comes to that.

My plastic surgeon is denying me my operative summary! What can I do?

Answers (4)

Answer: Medical Records

Answer: Medical Records

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My plastic surgeon is denying me my operative summary! What can I do?

Answers (4)

Answer: Medical Records

Answer: Medical Records

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.