Dental records in california: Do we access to them?

[chillin408]

Anyone know if patients can get a copy of their x-rays?

I want to see a new dentist and get a fair unbiased treatment. I feel that if any of my previous dentists forward him the x-rays that it will alter my treatment versus if I personally deliver the x-rays.

I already have seen 3 other dentists in the last 6 months and each of them took separate x-rays at their office even though I presented recent x-rays to 2 of 3 of them. I really don't want to expose myself to anymore x-rays, but I also don't want my previous dentists to contact the new one in any way. I think I'm trapped. any advice on what to do?

 

[starfish]

They are your x-rays.. Go get them if you want them

 

[chillin408]

I called one of my previous dentists office and they told me that they cannot give the x-rays to me, but only forward copies of them to another dentist. I called another one of my previous dentists office and they told me that they also cannot give them to me. I think that I may have used wrong wording: when I asked for the x-rays, it may have been sounding like I was asking for the originals. My impression of these 2 dentists (who probably know each other because they are located very close to one another) is that they are doing all they can to keep me from obtaining them. But even in that case, there may be some type of law. I think I read that patients do not have rights to dental x-rays in California a few years ago. I don't know if what I read is true, or if it was, whether or not the law still stands. Do you have any reference to your claim??

I searched really hard, but could not find really find anything about it. Another dentist had personally given my mom the x-rays (3 dentists ago) , so that is why I am questions my 2 previous dentists.

 

[starfish]

My reference to my claim... They are mine



Well, you did pay for them so they are YOUR property. You should be able to decorate your room with them if you want.

That seems like a weird law.

 

[chillin408]

Yea, I would assume the same exact thing. But I was told by one dentists office that, by law, I do not have access to them. I don't know whether she meant I don't have access to the originals or copies; this is where I may have screwed up on my wording when asking her.

 

[big4life]

I went through the same hassle with some x-rays from an accident I had. They didn't want to give them to me, but they did in the end.

 

[chillin408]

How did you get them? are you in california??

 

[starfish]

Tell them in writing that you want your medical records and x-rays.. You have EVERY right to your medical records.

 

[chillin408]

I think different rules apply to dental records, but I honestly don't know for sure. At least, I read this was the case in california some year ago ( not sure if was true or still stands).

 

[big4life]

How did you get them? are you in california??

Nope, sorry.

I asked for them, and when they said no, I asked why.
They finally gave them to me. I don't know why.

Just keep asking.