problem with vet

[jennifer]

Some time ago we changed vets. Now one of the horses has a problem and new vets could do with seeing records (blood test results and x-rays) from previous practice - who have not provided them.

Is there anything we can do? Our current vets have asked for them and we have asked ourselves but old vets keep making excuses or in one instance got quite nasty.

Are the records the property of the vet or ours?

Thanks for reading, any help would be appreciated.

[jill]

I don't know, but the BHS legal advice line probably will.

[julz]

think they are property of the vets...but they should give them up if patient is no longer at the practice.... If you've asked and new practice has asked and they've got nasty, I would just go along and wait for them to hand them over...(or print them out if on computer)

[jill]

Thinking about it, if you paid for the Xrays, scans, tests etc I would imagine that they are your property and the vets were acting on your behalf. Try telling them that and threaten legal action - right or wrong it might do the trick.

[Pauline]

Jennifer

I have changed vet resently and like yourself have needed to get paper work from the first vets.

All X-rays, blood results etc are yours you can get copies of all results,so the first vets should not refuse to give them to you.

Pauline

[jennyb]

Try ringing them in the morning, and asking innocently whether the RCVS has any guidelines about obtaining your horse's previous records. Mention that you might give the RCVS a call about the apparent difficulties in handing over your horse's records - might just spur them into action if they think a complaint might be logged against them!

Not quite the same, but I am an accountant, and if one of our clients leaves to go to another client, our professional standards dictate that we must respond "expediously" to correspondance, including that from the new firm asking for professional clearance to act for the client.

[jennifer]

Thanks everyone, think I will try to contact RCVS (why didn't I think of that??) It isn't life and death that we get the records (thank Goodness) but would show his state before the problems started. Thanks again, it's great to have people willing to help xx

[ceiron]

www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=89740&int2ndParentNodeID=89737&int1stParentNodeID=89642

dont bother contacting rcvs, its all in there handbook online.

there professional code dictates they have to give you the records, so ring them up and remind them of that

and any test you have paid for you are legally entitled to a copy of anyway btw

[nellie]

they have to give you the records, but they do NOT have to give you the xrays.....well, in wales they dont

[jennifer]

Thanks Cieron and Nellie, much appreciated

[debsi]

You may well have this sorted by now, but thought I'd add a note anyway! I work as a receptionist in a small animal vet practice. We get requests on an almost daily basis for records/histories for clients/patients who have moved practice - we print off and fax over all the clinical notes as soon as we are able. No questions asked. It is important that any vet seeing an animal that is new to them has as much background on any pre-existing condition as they can lay their hands on!
Both you and your new vet are entitled to request a copy of your horse's history.
I suggest you ring them up again and give them a day/time when you will be calling in to collect said copy - give them 24 hours notice then they can't say they didn't have time!
A thought - both you and your new vet probably haven't got any further than speaking to whoever is on reception when you phone - you could try asking to speak to the Practice Manager or Practice Principal (who owns the practice). Any vet who refused to share information on an animal needing veterinary attention would be, in my opinion, acting in a totally unprofessional manner - which I am sure would never be the case.
I am very aware that our practice is very 'hot' on client care, where others aren't - and some receptionists, I am afraid to say, are not the most helpful people in the world! Especially when stressed - which is an occupational hazard!
A bit of a waffle - so to finish .....
Good Luck!

[Susan]

I have also suffered this same situation with a practice well known locally and it happened not only to me but to a number of people I know.
If I had thought more at the time I would have taken further steps and perhaps it may well have spurred them into action and realised this is all about an animals future health and learned a good lesson.
Let us know how it goes.
I was told xrays are not the property of the animals owner but copies should be forwarded. They can even theses days be sent a copy on disc.