Dog Medical Papers And Xrays

[taters]

I believe vets are legally bound to keep all xrays they take on file for X amount of years. Cannot remember if it is for the life of the dog or an amount of years.

Yes vets are legally bound to keep all xrays on file.

That way is ever a case needs to be investigated by the AVA, the history including xrays are all at the clinic

It's either for 5 years after the animal has passes away, or 10 years

[moosepup]

I encountered this too. When Moose was burnt I changed vets (confidence was shaken somewhat) for both him and Zoe but it was a bit of an ordeal getting the original vet to fax the papers over. The new vet had to request them several times. Original vet said they aren't allowed to release records to owners, new vet said that was bs.

[Rappie]

With regard to radiographs, we must keep the films themselves as part of the medical record - if there is ever any question over what they showed we must be able to produce them. There is no issue with you having the information on them - if they are digital, it should not be a problem for you to have a copy, likewise for standard films you could have a digital scan or photo of them.

As for medical records, vet do not have to provide you with a copy of the clinical record. Pathology results should be ok, certificates - yes, a summary of investigations / results / medical condition but not a copy of their clinical notes. There is an expectation of professional courtesy to transfer all records to another veterinarian on request. If you have a particular clinic or vet that you would like to see for a second opinion, you would either call and ask for the records to be sent to them, or you can ask the second clinic to request them for you.

Edited February 6, 2010 by Rappie

[stormie]

We had legislation at our last clinic that stated that even the second vet clinic cannot request the records to be sent over. If we've referred someone to a specialist, they can call us asking for the history/referral. But if it's just a client changing vets, the clients themselves have to be the ones requesting the info to be sent/faxed, not the vet.

My previous boss was very strict about this, after having local competitors requesting patient histories for people who'd just come in to buy over the counter products like shampoos etc. Anything that had the clients personal details needed to be requested by them.

[Frankie]

I never had a problem with this at SASH- the vet I saw there would give me copies of all imaging on a CD- ( he was not obliged to do so) and no problem having records and results given to me or sent to my local vet.

From the NSW Veterinary Practice Regulation 2006

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/...533+2006+cd+0+N

"9 Referrals and second opinions

A veterinary practitioner must not refuse a request by a person responsible for the care of an animal for a referral or second opinion.

10 Provision of records

A veterinary practitioner who has previously treated an animal must, when requested to do so, and with the consent of the person responsible for the care of the animal, provide copies or originals of all relevant case history records directly to another veterinary practitioner who has taken over the treatment of the animal.

11 Return of records

A veterinary practitioner to whom another veterinary practitioner has referred an animal for treatment or a second opinion must return records provided by the referring veterinary practitioner as soon as practicable."

[Quickasyoucan]

My vet was happy to give my my xrays when we went to a specialist. They asked that I return them when I was finished and Sydney Uni (the specialist) said they would scan them into their system, which they have done and I physically have the x-rays back.

I guess it might vary and also mine was a generalist vet referring to a specialist not specialist to specialist.

[Bilbo Baggins]

Interesting. In human terms you can apply to see the records under the Freedom of Information Act. Commonly called FOI.

[tez]

I'm wondering if there might be another reason for with holding the xrays.

As Charlie is so unique ( yep..I have been following little Charlies tale of medical woes.) maybe the vets want to keep the information in order to present a paper in a vet journal down the track. Does this happen with vets???

[frufru]

I find this discussion really interesting (my husband had to have a very large numver of x rays over a 10 year period) and we have to keep them at home. The radiographers ring up and nag you to come and get them because they don't have the storage facilities and neither does the medical practice - maybe it will change one day for animals due to storage probs

Wishing you and Charlie all the best

Edited February 6, 2010 by frufru