Medical Malpractice

Trying to get copies of my mom's medical records from NYC public hospitals, they say they will charge 75 cents

That sounds excessive to me, my mom was a cancer patient there for more than two years, so it could potentially be thousands of pages. Anyone have any ideas around this?

Public Comments

1. It will be a lot cheaper than hiring a lawyer and filing a lawsuit to get a subpoena. Why do you need these "thousands of pages"? Try to be more specific in asking for what you need to keep the cost down.
2. No that is what they charge. If it were your mom they would not charge her for the records, but they are going to charge you and there is nothing you can do except pay them for the records if you want them.
3. Talk to the hospital to see if there's an alternative format that might be cheaper. Otherwise, they are well within there rights to charge for their time and expense of making copies. They may have a cost cap but they don't have to. Sorry to say it, but that's the way it works.
4. all you really need is a sum-up you can get this from her family Dr.
5. Unfortunately I don't think there are any ways around it. Part of the HIPPA laws state that providers are allowed to charge "a reasonable fee" for copies of Medical Records. While 75cents/page may seem excessive to you, you have to think about the time of the person copying these and actual cost of the paper and toner, etc. It sounds somewhat silly, but it can add up. They have to pay someone 10+ dollars an hour to stand there and hit copy and make sure they are accurate, etc. There are quite a few processes and verification points and people that they have to go through before it gets sent out. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. :( You could call them and talk to them and ask about the possibility of a flat fee and just explain the situation to them. They may be willing to help. They aren't out to profit on this, trust me.
6. That's the legal per-page cost in NY.
7. Your mother is entitled to her medial records. What they can do is charge her for each page. You can have a copy sent to another doctor and not have to pay. All you have to do is sign a release.
8. Why can't you just ask her Dr. to give you the few copys that you need. unless you are planning a lawsuit or something you probably just need a final bill . Or the( her) insurance company might help you out