What are a patients rights in obtaining a copy of lab reports from a private physician without another appt?

My daughter went to a doctor and had some lab work done and was told by phone at her request that everything was ok. But when she asked for a copy of the lab report, she was told she would have to make another appt. She would like the doctor's office to mail her a copy of the report without having to spend the extra time and money to get it.

Tell her to use the phrase "HIPAA VIOLATION" when she demands her records on the next call. That ought to light a fire under them. The most they can ask of her is a minimal administrative fee for copying.

Best of luck to you,
~M~

p.s. Some facilities may require you to send a notarized release (particularly for folks who are out of town and/or cannot present in person requests)

she should not have to make another appointment to get her lab reports that is just a rip off to make more money and she should speak to her doctor about that.Good Luck
A patient has every right to see his/her medial reports folder and test results without being charged again.

You will probably have to pay but go to the clinic that did the tests and ask the receptionsist for a copy of your medical records. If you daughter is a minor you would do this and if she is over 18 then she needs to do it. They HAVE to give you a copy of your medical records if you request them. You will probably have to sign a form and they may charge a fee for copying them (fee for their paper and the time to copy them) but they will give you a copy of them. You cannot ask for a copy over the phone because of HIPPA and security issues. It must be done in person and can only be done by the person themself or his legal guardian in the case of a minor or incompetent person.

I'm thinking she should just walk in there and ask them to make a copy of the dam thing...lol....they might not be able to fax or email it because of privacy and all that, but if she just walks in they should give it to her

Unfortunately, the doctor's office can have any policy they choose. You do have a right to have a copy of her records and they should as a courtesy give them to her. You may have to have her sign a release of records to obtain them and they may have her pay a fee for this! I always give my patients a copy of their labs and radiology results and will have them pick them up at the office instead of mailing them to save costs.