Shipping Medical Records Over... something of the sort...

Can I call up my GP in the US and have them send my records to my GP in the UK?  My boyfriend's grandmother said that they would under no circumstances accept the US records -- but I've been a patient there for years, and they have really detailed information about me.  There's no point in getting a bunch of blood work done to reaffirm what we already know - I'm anemic, lactose intolerant, etc.

Has anybody done this?

Why on earth wouldn't they 'accept' them? If I were you, I'd have them shipped to you if you can and then when and if your GP here needs them, offer them to read. Your GP's office may prefer not to keep the copies there so perhaps that's what she means?

I've had records for an abnormal cervical smear sent here no problem but a whole medical history would take up a big old folder and won't fit the UK files they use I bet!

I was talking about having my GP in the US fax my medical records/history to my GP in the UK.  It just seems a bit silly to waste resources by conducting tests and unnecessary exams. 

Has anybody had any trouble with having documents sent from the US to the UK?

I didn't have my records sent over, but before I left the US I had my doctor provide me with complete copies of my records. When I went to my UK GP for the first time, I brought those with me and they went into my file. It wasn't a problem at all.

Like the above post, I also brought a full copy of my medical records over. My GP looked them over mainly because she was interested in how US doctors did things (her words) but then she handed them back over to me. I think that they are good to have for your own records to look back at exactly what tests were done, results, etc. If you know this sort of thing already though, maybe just speaking to your GP and telling her/him what you have already had done, results, etc. will suffice?

My dr in the U.S. copied all my records and mailed them to me.  I then took them to my GP here and they didn't even want to look at them.  So it really depends on if your GP would like to see them.

My dr in the U.S. copied all my records and mailed them to me.  I then took them to my GP here and they didn't even want to look at them.  So it really depends on if your GP would like to see them.

Good point.  I had them photocopy my records in the States and brought them over with me.  Since you're already here, it's a lot of effort to chase them up now, so maybe check and see if your Dr. would want or look at them anyway?

My GP was interested in looking at my records, but I have sinusitis and was trying to get a referral so he wanted to see what my treatment course had been in America.

I didn't have medical records copied but did make a copy of my pap smear result letter from June 2005 and gave it to them when I got a letter to go for one.

I did provide my dentist with copies but he wasn't too interested and went through each tooth individually having his assistant type in where I had fillings etc.

Have the records shipped to you and KEEP A COPY. I brought all my records with me, and gave them to my GP. When I moved, I asked for the records back, and now they are official NHS property, and they'll charge me 20 p per page to give me a copy. Does it matter that I gave them the records in the first place? Nope. We're in the NHS now.
 

I have all my records up to a few months before I left and except for one department at the hospital in Vermont.

My doctor here actually asked for a copy when I gave them a medical history sheet I'd written up, which by itself was about 4 pages.

I can't see any doctor refusing to see any other doctor's records. Even if they don't agree and want to retest or whatever, they usually like to see what others have found.

Has anybody had any trouble with having documents sent from the US to the UK?

I had Kaiser in the US - I had to sign forms to release my medical records before I left the US and gave them the address I was moving to as I wasn't registered with the local surgery yet.  They sent us a letter when I moved and wanted me to pay $300 to have my records copied and released.  I spoke to my GP (as I was registered by that point) and they told me they didn't need 'em that badly.  They've taken me at face value when I told them I have Asthma, Eczema, about my back problems and my allergies...

I didn't have medical records copied but did make a copy of my pap smear result letter from June 2005 and gave it to them when I got a letter to go for one.

Same here, I showed them my cholesterol bloodwork (the US said I was borderline high), but they said that the scales they used were diffent from the US and just dismissed that aspect of my results.

Well I have never had civian medical insurance...but for those that have family trying to get medical records from the Veterans Administration..all you need is a print out of the record from them. Bring them into a records officer and ask for a letter signed and dated from the records officer, or get your primary physician to sign & date them.

You made need to ask 2-4 weeks in advance.....