From:
AFERRETVET@cs.com
Date: 2002-06-14 15:50:00 UTC
Subject: Re: ex-vet not releasing original x-rays
Hi Mari,
As Dr Ruth pointed out, you do not actually own the x-rays.
I am not sure what state you are in, but the original x-rays
are part of the medical record. We are required to keep them
in Texas. If a client wants a copy then they have to pay the
fee for making the copy. We will usually release the xrays to
another vet if they want to compare "before and after" xrays, or
to a referral specialist, but the other vet understands that they
must send the xrays back to us. When you threatened your first
vet with nonpayment then you created a problem! Thus your first vet
became mad, defensive, and uncooperative. My suggestion for the
future would be simply ask your new vet to call your old vet and
politely
ask about previous treatments, tests, x-rays, and diagnosis. We
usually
fax records to another vet the same day without a fee.
There is no need for a lawsuit or to stop payment in this case.
Jerry Murray, DVM