Do you have a right to your dental x-rays?

I went to a dentist last year.I had a plan "A" & a plan "B".for fixing my teeth.I had asked him to please submit both plans seperately for pre-estimate to my insurance company. both plans were put together and extractions weren't listed .i called after waiting awhile.to asked if they would seperate & re-submit the plans to my insurance company.i really needed to what debt i would owe.( i had to have carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand in '06) i wanted to be sure i could pay my part for both teeth and hand. .well, i waited & waited.i finally called my insurance company a month later.and they said they never re-submitted the plans.So,as "07 i had to find a new dentist & start all over again.but the first dentist i pay my $50 deductible and about $200.00 for one extraction. i felt i had no choice but to extract the really bad tooth.and go on with the hand surgery. I could wait for the pre-estimates any longer.Do i know have a right to ask for my x-rays,they don't need them?

Michael is pretty much on the money with one exception. The new dental office CAN NOT request copies for you legally. That is part of the HIPAA law. Some offices will do it for you but most will ask you to either call or might even have a pre-printed fax sheet to send that you would have to sign. Thats how i do it.
As far as charging for copying of xrays, the law clearly states that a reasonable fee may be charged to duplicate. The law also clearly states that outstanding balances DO NOT need to be paid off prior to copying. A lot of offices will hold balances over your head. Get your films and get another opinion.

Under the HIPPA act, you have the right to access all of your medical information.

Yes, you have a right to a copy of your records, including xrays for a "reasonable" charge. You can also ask your next office to call and request them prior to your appointment. Good luck!

yes you do have the right to know..you are the patient and it is important to have them...if you are switching dentists you can ask for copies of your x rays as well..patients come to the office all the time and ask for copies of their x rays..copies are free andyou can just call them up and request them

Michael's answer CAN be correct. We request x-rays and records for patients after they have signed a records release form. The form must be signed, though. We can't simply ask for records from another office.