Help Me Hank: Family Files

Keeping track of four kids is hard. It means keeping an eye on who's getting their homework done, who's having a snack…and who's staying healthy.

Stacey Lewis, Parent
"I have a sense of what illnesses my kids have had."

But the exact date of Alex's last ear infection? Or when Antwoin had his DPT shot? She relied on the family doctor to keep records of that.

Stacey Lewis, Parent
"It's very important just to have the medical history of your child."

But when Stacey made a doctor’s appointment before the first day of school - she was told the family doctor was gone.

Stacey Lewis, Parent
"I was like, oh wow, too bad."

So Stacey asked for copies of her children's records. The receptionist told her - you'll have to wait.

Hank Phillippi Ryan
"So when you went back, what do they say?"

Stacey Lewis, Parent
"That they would send them out to be copied and you need to come in and pick them up."

In nearly a dozen trips back to the office-- still no records.

Stacey Lewis, Parent
"I was getting frustrated."

Eventually, Stacey found the office locked--and the receptionist gone. Stacey's records quest seemed to be flat lined.

Stacey Lewis, Parent
"I decided to call help me hank and see if you guys could get the job done."

We did our own check-up at the Board of Registration in Medicine.

Nancy Achin Audesse, Exec. Dir. of the Board of Registration in Medicine
"A patient has an absolute right to get a copy of their medical records from the physician."

So we tracked Stacey’s doctor down in Ghana. She told us she'd sent the documents. We told her she hadn't.

Hank Phillippi Ryan
"What if the physician says I'm not going to give you those?"

Nancy Achin Audesse, Exec. Dir. of the Board of Registration in Medicine
"It’s really important for patients to know what their rights are."

And as we told the doctor - the regulations say that records must be copied and presented in a timely manner.

Soon after: this stack of irreplaceable family history arrived -- Antoine and Alex’s earaches, Aleah’s headaches and Ariana’s chicken pox.

Stacey Lewis, Parent
"It’s very vital information, I think."

All documented detailed--and safely back in mom's hands.

Hank Phillippi Ryan
"And when you see this now, what do you think?

Stacey Lewis, Parent
"I feel good. I feel good that I have them now."

The Board of Registration in medicine also says though doctors must provide your records, they can charge you for the copies.

For more information:

http://www.massmedboard.org/