Arizona Girl’s Life Was in Jeopardy Due to Lack of Access to Medical Records

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Arizona Girl’s Life Was in Jeopardy Due to Lack of Access to Medical Records

Arizona Girl’s Life Was in Jeopardy Due to Lack of Access to Medical Records

Every time you visit the doctor, notes are recorded in your medical records. Every time you get blood drawn, the results are logged in your medical records. Every time you have a diagnostic test or scan done, everything gets added to your medical records. Essentially, your medical records are a detailed compilation of your health history over the course of your lifetime.

Typically, there isn’t much need for these records for the everyday person, but that is not the case for Caitlin Secrist. Caitlin Secrist cannot eat or work and can barely go to school due to a severe illness that causes her to be in constant pain. To make matters worse, the 21-year-old woman might die because she cannot obtain copies of her medical records.

Why can’t she get access to her medical records?

Typically, it is not that difficult to obtain copies of medical records. You can go through the arduous process of getting copies yourself or utilize a service provider like Datafied to do the work for you. However, in Caitlin’s case, the files are locked away due to a bankruptcy case involving Florence Hospital at Anthem and Gilbert Hospital. Due to the bankruptcy case, Caitlin’s medical records are locked away in a repossessed electronic-records system. The hospital closed in 2018 and for nine months, attorneys have tied the case up in an argument over who should bear the financial responsibility of providing access of former patient files.

Why do the medical records matter?

So, why does it matter that Caitlin does not have access to her medical records? Well, the top physician at John Hopkins Hospital has refused to conduct the lifesaving surgery on Caitlin until he has access to the medical records. That’s because he wants to completely understand her health history, including prior notes and images detailing the progress of her illness. Without the medical records, the surgery will not take place and Caitlin is at risk of another attack causing her vital organs to shut down.

Can that happen to me?

Aside from Caitlin, over 300 patients have requested records from Florence Hospital at Anthem and Gilbert Hospital with no luck. So, yes, it is more common than you might think. In addition, there are other instances where people are unable to obtain copies of their medical records.

How can I be proactive and get copies of my medical records?

If you want to be proactive, you should obtain copies of your medical records. You can contact your doctor and request them, or you can utilize the medical record retrieval services provided by Datafied. Since 1993, Datafied has been assisting clients with obtaining their medical records and we would be happy to help you as well! Contact us today at 800-765-7510 to request your records.


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