Re: "Medical Records released if legal action filed

[KCuyler555@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/29/99 8:52:11 AM Central Daylight Time, 
mail@dynalysis.com writes:
<< Seems logical to me that if you are a patient and are a Plaintiff in a 
case, you
 would understand that your medical records would be released -- afterall, 
you are
 bringing a medical case.   >>

If a person is in an accident that is not their fault it does not seem 
entirely fair that they have to give up every bit of their privacy just to be 
reimbursed for their medical bills.  And, it's not just a question of 
disclosing the sensitive medical information to a few people.  Once you're 
forced into court all medical records provided in the course of litigation 
are filed at the courthouse and ANYONE can just ask to see the file AND make 
copies without any questions being asked.  These medical records usually 
include a person's social security number, home address, home phone, date of 
birth, as well as other sensitive personal information.  Including frequent 
errors.  Even if the doctors makes a notation that a person "denies" drug or 
alcohol abuse the question by itself has a negative connotation.   I don't 
disagree that the defendant and their insurer is entitled to the information 
(within limits) but to make it a public record? For all time?  Why should I 
lose my privacy for the rest of my life?

Kendra