More and more authorities are looking at patients’ medical records and in the future probably even without your consent or even knowing it. Health insurers are expected to be given the right to look at your medical file without permission. At least, if they suspect you’re cheating.
wait
The Senate still has to approve this bill, but there is a good chance that it will pass. While such a medical file may contain things about your complaints that you would rather keep to yourself. Such as information about psychological problems.
Now general practitioners, pharmacists and medical specialists can view your medical file. Care providers that your own practitioner works with can also do this. If you have given permission for this, they can exchange your data via a digital network called Landelijk Schakelpunt (LSP).
General practitioner
Municipalities, occupational health and safety services and other agencies are increasingly putting pressure on patients to share their medical file with them. They ask patients to request their entire medical file from their GP. The National Association of General Practitioners (LHV) concluded this after a poll among 175 general practitioners. While those authorities are not allowed to do that at all. They must first ask your permission, and then they must tell the GP which part of the file they need and why. That is why you should always talk to your GP if an authority asks for your medical file.
General practitioners are legally obliged to show you your medical file and to give you a copy to take home. But they do not always do that, the Dutch Patients Federation discovered. 36 of the 206 patients who asked for their medical records were not shown their data.
How do I see my medical file?
- Discuss your request with your practitioner such as your GP;
- If the GP refuses, submit a written request;
- If you want help, find a healthcare advocacy organization in your area. People there can help you prepare for the discussion about your file, and may accompany you to your practitioner.
