Patients Want Open Charts But Many Doctors Don't

[pberggren1]

I once discovered a highly inappropriate, lengthy comment written by one of my docs. I had been kept waiting 3 hours for a first time appointment with him without a single person offering explanation or even acknowledgment that I was there. I asked but was (seriously) shouted at for approaching the nurse's desk. It was nearly 5:00 and I honestly thought they had forgotten about me. I was extremely weak back then and having to sit in an armless chair in a cold room had me reduced to a puddle. When the doctor came in I told him what had happened and was quite angry as I spoke. He listened, then blinked, then proceeded to start the appointment as if I hadn't said anything!

We actually had a nice conversation and good rapport for many visits. Nearly a year later I got my notes and saw that he had written a very long diatribe about that first appointment without mentioning anything about what precipitated my anger. He made all kinds of personal remarks about me-- a giant no-no for physicians-- and labeled me in ways that sting to this day. I couldn't believe it was the same guy. I didn't have the guts to get my notes from follow-up visits. I didn't want to see what else he had written while I was trusting of him. After gathering my courage over a few months, I was finally ready to confront him about it when I learned he was leaving the facility. I never saw him again.

I'm a firm believer in reading a doctor's notes. I know other docs at the facility read his and it tainted how they viewed me. At least I knew it and was able to have my say.

Crazy!

This makes me all the more thankful I have my doc.

He is always so kind, compassionate, understanding, apologizes if he is a few minutes late, the list goes on.

The first time I saw him was in the ER. I could tell he was tired but he still took the time to show great interest in my case. We are good friends now.

[Sangye]

I don't get copies of all my doctors' notes anymore--just hit and miss. But I can say that with very few exceptions there are always errors in them. Sometimes big stuff-- wrong drugs/dosages listed-- and sometimes less important stuff (eg I said I get up 5 times a night for the bathroom but the note says 3). I try to correct the big stuff at least. I don't go back to check it, so hopefully they do. Dr Seo's are pretty accurate.

[drz]

I don't get copies of all my doctors' notes anymore--just hit and miss. But I can say that with very few exceptions there are always errors in them. Sometimes big stuff-- wrong drugs/dosages listed-- and sometimes less important stuff (eg I said I get up 5 times a night for the bathroom but the note says 3). I try to correct the big stuff at least. I don't go back to check it, so hopefully they do. Dr Seo's are pretty accurate.

That is about same for me now. I don't get copies of all my doctors notes as there are too many to keep track of all of them. I only try to correct the important stuff too when I find an error. Sometimes I am not sure of what I told the doctor so think the error might of been mine so unless it is important info I ignore it. Generally most of the content seems pretty accurate for most consultations.

[Dryhill]

I have no problem, my consultant is happy for me to have a copy of my notes and always sends me a copy of any letter he sends to my GP. The latter is now standard practice for all patients at the hospital I am attending.

Jim