Questions about MMJ

My mother has 2 qualifying conditions (nausea/Irritable bowel) and she is wanting to get her card in Washington state.

Now we were located in Montana a year ago and I had contacted THCF out of Portland with questions and thought I had all the information she needed.

They said to fax over the medical records and we went to the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation clinic which is federally subsidized by the way.


Now we asked for a print out of her medical records and they gave her a "summary" 3-4 pages long with her illnesses, medications, and various other information.

So we faxed them to THCF and they said that was not what they needed to pre-qualify for an appointment.

I believe they said that she needs to ask the doctor for a signed set of chart notes and we were unable to understand what that means exactly.


Would she just ask her physician to review her records (we are going to have her records from Montana faxed to the new clinic so the doctor can check through them) and write down her present status with her illnesses, sign it and give her a copy?


It has been 2 years since she wanted to get her card and we have been utterly confused by the getting the proper record or chart notes.


Now she does not have the money to go see other doctors to establish records and she has free indian health care through the federal clinics.

Now she is going to go to a clinic here (Native Clinic) and she needs clarification on what she needs to do about getting her chart notes as in if she makes three visits to see the doctor about her illness how does she ask for chart notes and can she ask to have them signed or do they do that anyways.

Here is what they say on the website for THCF about medical proof of conditions:

Our physicians require that each patient have current medical records that document the existence of one of the conditions for which medical marijuana is authorized under their state law. You must either obtain your medical records yourself (which may involve a fee) and bring them in to us, or you may authorize that your medical records be faxed or mailed to one of our offices. Please BE SURE to clarify with the doctor's office that you only need 2-3 visits of chart notes pertaining to your qualifying condition, NOT your entire medical record. Have them include any relevant x-ray or MRI reports (not actual film), and also YOUR name and phone number.

Since our doctors are consulting with patients solely about their qualification for medicinal cannabis, and can not act as a patient's primary physician, we require that all of our patients have at least one other current physician.

Please fax relevant medical records to our main office: 425.869.6378 or deliver/mail them to your local THCF clinic.



She is just completely confused and she has been watching everyone and their three legged dog getting cards and honestly she cannot afford to go to prison for something she has done here entire life illegally.


Also are there cheaper ways to get the card paperwork finished and sent as she really cannot afford the $200 + dollar fee although I am seeking work to make that part easier?

Ok so I just got this off of E-how and this seems to clarify a little on what we need to get done for her to obtain chart notes from this new doctor and clinic.

So we will get her old records sent over and she will ask the new doctor to review them and she will go in for appointments pertaining to her illnesses.

The she must ask the doctor for that days notes (signed) and for the visit for 2-3 visits?



#

There is a federal law that stipulates that you have a right to get a copy of your medical record, doctors notes, medical and laboratory test results as well as billing information. This law is called HIPAA (pronounced hip aaaaa) which stands for the Health Information Portability Accountability Act. Health care providers are required to keep a patient's medical records for at least six years or more. This can vary by State. In most states, children's records are kept for from three to ten years beyond the age of 18 or 21 and if you are the parent or legal guardian, you can request these records as well.
#
2

There is a proper procedure to request copies and generally the office personnel of the particular medical facility can provide you with a standardized form to fill out with your name, Social Security number and other pertinent information with both your full printed name and legal signature with the current date. This can be filled out at the medical facility itself when you are seen for a visit, or you can request that this form be mailed to you for you to fill out, sign and return to them. You may be charged a nominal fee for this service.
#
3

If your doctor's office does not have a specific request form, you can write a letter requesting a copy of your entire chart contents. Be sure to include your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, current mailing address, phone number, your printed name and legal signature. Be sure to contact them by phone beforehand to request if there is a charge. If so, be sure to include payment in the form of a check or money order with your request.
#
4

Once you have a copy of your medical record, you will need to keep it updated and current. Therefore, at the end of each visit to your doctor, ask that a copy of the report for that day's visit be mailed to you after it has been dictated and transcribed. You could also leave a self-addressed-stamped envelope for this with a member of the doctor's staff and ask that a note be included in your chart that you are to receive a copy of the report from each visit.
#
5

Records from diagnostic studies such as CT or MRI scans, mammograms and laboratory urine or blood testing results will not be sent to you by the testing facility itself. You will need to check with your doctor's office staff for copies of these results after you know they have been completed, reviewed by your doctor and put in your chart.
#
6

A request for your records from any other medical treatment facility, outpatient clinic or hospital will need to be processed directly through them. Or, request that copies of your records be sent to your primary care physician instead.


Read more: How to Ask for and Get a Copy of Your Medical Records | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5383633_ask-copy-medical-records.html#ixzz0zJ2OoKOY

Sergiana sounds like you and your Mom are havin a heck of a time. I think you're on the right track. Have her get an appointment with a Doc to see her personally and go over her current condition with him, then obtain his notes from that visit. Keep in mind..I'm no expert and all States are different, but that should work. Hope she is well..DD

I hear mamas clinic is the best in portland. There are also forums just for oregon card holders.
Try to search for cannabis compassion or oregon green free.
Shawn