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Access to medical records

The PrumeisterThe Prumeister Posts: 22,398
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in Advice #1
Does anyone know if legally anyone i.e prospective employers, can access your medical records?

Thanks.

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    hugsiehugsie Posts: 17,497
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    #2
    The Prumeister wrote: »
    Does anyone know if legally anyone i.e prospective employers, can access your medical records?

    Thanks.

    I think they need your signed consent.
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    MigsterMigster Posts: 4,204
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    #3
    The Prumeister wrote: »
    Does anyone know if legally anyone i.e prospective employers, can access your medical records?

    Thanks.

    They should not be able to due to the Data Protection Act.
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    Hopeless_SavageHopeless_Savage Posts: 2,835
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    #4
    They can't without permisson, but you shouldn't lie when questioned about medical conditions.
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    The PrumeisterThe Prumeister Posts: 22,398
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    #5
    ^I wouldn't dare:eek:

    Many thanks everyone;)
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    quincemeisterquincemeister Posts: 199
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    #6
    To the best of my knowledge an employer would have no right to obtain your medical records unless they have your written permission.

    Even if you are applying for life insurance - ie a situation where the life office would definitely need to access your medical records you still have to sign an authority and they cannot get your file without it.

    Hope this sets your mind at rest (from one 'meister' to another!!)
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 28,673
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    #7
    hi i work as a medical secretary.

    Your employer cannot access your medical records without your permission.

    you have to sign a form giving your employer the right to information.

    It also depends what they are looking for is it info on a recent illness thats stopped you from working?
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 23
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    #8
    No. Not unless you give express written permission. There are strict confidentiality rules to protect you.
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 23
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    #9
    And even if you did give consent, it would not be a case of them having your actual record to fish through. It would be a case of your employer asking questions which the GP would then answer to the best of his ability. Your employer would also have to pay for the privelege. There are standard medicals for employees like taxi drivers.
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    jackoljackol Posts: 7,887
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    #10
    wil100861 wrote: »
    And even if you did give consent, it would not be a case of them having your actual record to fish through. It would be a case of your employer asking questions which the GP would then answer to the best of his ability. Your employer would also have to pay for the privelege. There are standard medicals for employees like taxi drivers.

    Correct, they can ask the doctor for a report though.
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