Correcting medical records: Your rights

I've come across a number of posts that mention the problems patients have with incorrect medical records, so thought it would be good to have a thread on how we can deal with this.

In the UK we actually do have more rights to get action taken on correcting our personal data, including our medical records, than we did in the past.

I haven't done an extensive search, but see for example the article below:

https://www.gponline.com/amending-medical-records-patients-rights/article/1462317

Similar rights are likely to apply in many European countries. I am unsure about the situation outside the UK but it would be great if members could give advice and links in this thread to help members in their own country - and also to help give a broad picture of how the situation is globally.

 

For those in the UK, more information regarding the legal aspects of personal data storage, including the changes since 2018, can be found via this site:

https://ico.org.uk/

Edit: This includes how to complain if you are not satisfied with the data holder's action to your request(s)

 

You can ask them to add your comments at the appropriate place in your records, e.g. that you disagree with the medical opinion and your reasons why.

 

Does anyone know how to "lose" previous medical records entirely? can you refuse to let older records be used?

I plan to return to the UK next year (2nd attempt) and am happy to bring my perfectly sensible NZ records. But my relationship with my previous NHS practice more than a decade ago was poor, no doubt because i had recently developed ME and still wanted tests and to be treated like a human being. So I would prefer to just have the NZ records in place (nothing of any huge consequence medically before then, other than a lot of allergies and other immune funnies).

I seem to remember you have a right to refuse to let doctors share medical records. Any help gratefully received.

 

There is a drive for GPs iin England to create a 'Summary Care Record' for all their patients. This can be shared with other care services outside the NHS. You do have the option to 'opt out' of having one or giving consent for sharing health information outside the NHS:

https://digital.nhs.uk/services/summary-care-records-scr

Edit: see also -

https://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/keogh...s/Quick-Guide-sharing-patient-information.pdf

 

Thanks @Simbindi that's really useful. I think it must be the Summary Care Record I was half-remembering. From a brief skim it does sound like getting control of that would be a smart move and a good start.

 

I've submitted Addendums to my medical record numerous times, mostly for specialist visits. Here are the guidelines for correcting medical records in the USA:
https://www.thedoctors.com/articles/requests-to-amend-a-medical-record/

A doctor can also create an addendum. I emailed a doctor who mentioned the wrong medication. He submitted the addendum on his own.

 

Your post was written in 2017. I have posted the most up to date legislation (2018) and the link that provides information to whom and how to complain if your request is refused. It is up to individuals members if they wish to use this information and if they want to expend the necessary energy in doing so.

 

Apologies too - I'm autistic, so not good at softening my responses with social niceties. I just didn't want members to be put off trying to challenge negative responses by GPs or hospital consultants/administrators.