I haven't been there yet, but I DO have the answer, thanks to a couple of friends!
"The physical medical record actually belongs to the physician who created it and the facility in which the record was created. The
information gathered within the original medical record
is owned by the patient. This is why patients are allowed a COPY of their medical record, but not the original document. Every healthcare facility is required by law to maintain the original medical record of patient that receives care and must safeguard it from loss, damage, alteration, and unauthorized use."
And.... " the patient is allowed to "inspect, review and receive a copy of his or her own medical records and billing records" held by health plans and healthcare providers covered by the HIPAA Privacy Rule."
Both quotations from "Who Owns Your Medical Record" at
https://medicopy.net/who-we-are/blog/who-owns-my-medical-record
My neighbor is currently in a post-operative care facility attached to the hospital after a hip-replacement surgery, and she calls me nearly every day to relate the incredible BS that they give as Standard Operating Procedure. She says you really have to keep them on a short leash. First, they lie a lot about what they did and didn't do. Second, when it's time for her meds, they say they'll be right back, but she has to yell at them when she sees them passing in the hall three hours later and ask when they're going to give her the meds (they forgot). Her SURGEON told her that she could go home the day after surgery, climb up the stairs, and do everything by herself w/o anyone to help her. Mind you, this woman is not dumb or senile; she's bright, literate, and can still figure compound interest in her head.
Another friend, who works for the same hospital chain (Providence) said that whenever you go to the doctor, ask for a copy of the diagnosis, what they did and the charges. And then when you get it, READ IT. What they wrote and what they actually did can be two entirely different things. If there are 'errors', call the doctor's office and ask why he wrote that, and to correct it, and to send you a copy of the correction. Keep everything in a folder, filed by date.
Do the same with your dentist. And with your pets' veterinarian.
On the road, keep it with you in a safe place. You might also might want to make another copy of each document and leave it with a trusted relative or friend.
