Those seeking x-rays must have a physician’s order, said Lyders.“There’s no charge for x-rays but we do have to have a destination, a physician’s office or radiology center. Once they arrive there the patient is no longer responsible,” for the x-rays, and their return to the hospital is also the responsibility of the destination user.“X-rays are not copies, they are the originals and there are no copies, that’s it,” Lyders added. “Patients need not panic. . .x-rays are held for 10 years and will be available to them for that period of time.”Patients must notify the hospital in advance that they are seeking records or x-rays so hospital personnel can pull same and notify patients when the materials will available.“If the client wants, our employee will sit down with them and help them decide just what pages they need copied if they are not certain.”Medical records are held for seven years, and for children, until they reach the age of 21 years old.“When we do move records into permanent storage there will be a public announcement,” Lyders added.
Medical records, x-rays available at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital
March 24, 2004
Santa Paula News
Medical records and x-rays remain available at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital, according to a hospital spokeswoman, who said now is the time to think about pulling files.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesMedical records and x-rays remain available at Santa Paula Memorial Hospital, according to a hospital spokeswoman, who said now is the time to think about pulling files.Karen Lyders, director of nursing/patient services, noted that although SPMH shut the door on medical services on Dec. 19, “Santa Paula Memorial Hospital Corporation remains open at the hospital site and all patients requesting their medical records,” can call 525-7171, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and noon.“We’ll take their name, have the records pulled and have them ready for pickup, the same thing with x-rays,” noted Lyders. “As long as we’re onsite up here and operating as a corporation the public can continue to get their records here.”Patients claiming medical records or x-rays must present photo identification.If the property sold or when the building closes, all records would be transferred into storage, she noted, but “it’s easier to get them now.”Patients will be charged for record copying, $6.50 for the first page and 25 cents for each page thereafter.
