Eye Dr refuses to give me a copy of prescription.

[cocowum]

I lost my contact lens prescription so I called my eye Dr and requested a copy.My script doesn't expire until Sept 06. I was told by the receptionist that the Dr. would not give me a copy unless I bought my contacts directly from him. What! I calmly explained that I didn't want a new prescription, just a copy of the one he already gave me. She wouldn't budge. When I asked to speak to the Dr she said he wasn't available. Does anyone know if this is against the law? They charge about $50 a box, whereas Wal-mart only charges $27. This is my first time using this Dr but I definitely won't be returning. Any help is appreciated.

 

[CathrynRose]

IThey charge about $50 a box, whereas Wal-mart only charges $27. This is my first time using this Dr but I definitely won't be returning. Any help is appreciated.

ARGH! I had this happen before... at a LensCrafters.

I will only go to Wal Mart now (he gives me the RX the day of my visit!)

You might try having your Wal-Mart doc, call and get it transferred... it *IS* a prescription.

I think it's crap though, too.... I was FREAKING FURIOUS!

 

[Muffin]

I know that what the doctor is doing is against the law in my state, so it may be in yours as well.

I think one place you can check is with the consumer's affairs section of your state's Attorney General's office.

Good luck.

 

[drgnfly30]

This happened to me at my old eye Dr as well... I switched & my new one has no problem giving it to me. Frustrating!!

 

[NMAmy]

That's just ridiculous. I usually ask for a copy every time I have my eyes examined--mainly because my eyesight is SO bad that if I lose my contacts or glasses when I'm out of town, I need to have them replaced immediately. My prescription is -8 so I'm really dead in the water if I don't have one or the other. I've never had an eye dr refuse to give it to me.

I would change doctors immediately. I'd also write a letter to the dr in question explaining why.

 

[golfgal]

That is illegal in Minnesota, they have to give you a copy of your prescription. Try searching online to see if you can find a law about this in your state, copy it and bring it in to them and THEN ask for the prescription.

 

[golfgal]

http://www.saratogian.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1169&dept_id=17718&newsid=10639598&PAG=461&rfi=9

I found this, I guess it is now illegal everywhere.

 

[cocowum]

Okay, so I called my AG office and they forwarded me to the Dept of Health, office of professional Medical conduct. The investigator I spoke with said it is absolutely against the law not to furnish me with a copy of my records (prescriptions). So, I am going to go to the DR's office in person tommorow and hopefully I can get this resolved. Thanks so much for the help.

ETA thanks for that link I printed it out and will bring it with me tommorow.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You know, do some people think we are going to take crap lying down?Go get 'um!

 

[cinmell]

Good luck and please let us know how it turns out!

 

[eclectics]

Sounds like you got a jerk for an eye doctor. Very unprofessional. Hope you get your prescription in person. While you're there I would get ALL your records and tell him they are for the new eye doctor you plan to find asap!

 

[Tigger_Magic]

You are entitled to a copy of any and all of your healthcare records, including vision and eye exam records. The provider may require you to complete an "authorization for release of information" form. You'll have to fill this out so they can have a record of your request and to document their release of private healthcare information to you.

Your provider may also charge for copies of the information -- even a prescription. According to the law, the fee can only include the cost of copying (including supplies and labor), as well as postage if you request the copy to be mailed. If you ask for an explanation of the information, they may be allowed to charge a fee for preparing the explanation.

 

[rigs32]

You can also try having Wal-Mart call - or one of the online contact places. I'm sure they're familiar with the law and would go to bat for you as they don't want to lose a sale, either.

I'd also file a complaint with whomever the proper authority would be - the AG would know. You shouldn't have to strong arm them into following the law.

 

[Forevryoung]

I see you are in NY- if you need the AG's office to get involved, I know the person to contact. He's an assistant AG on Long Island and one of my best friends (and a great guy)

PM me if you want his name/number

 

[mum4jenn]

That's just ridiculous. I usually ask for a copy every time I have my eyes examined--mainly because my eyesight is SO bad that if I lose my contacts or glasses when I'm out of town, I need to have them replaced immediately. My prescription is -8 so I'm really dead in the water if I don't have one or the other. I've never had an eye dr refuse to give it to me.

I would change doctors immediately. I'd also write a letter to the dr in question explaining why.

WOW!!! I can't believe that there is someone out there with eyes worse than mine!!! Mine are -5.50!!

 

[disney4us2002]

I had that happen as well and the eye doctor said I didn't have a "prescription" until the contacts were ordered and "fitted" properly. If I'd wanted glasses, then I could get my prescription. I was furious and ended up ordering replacement lenses on my old prescription which was just a bit different anyway. I contacted my insurance company to complain about the "fitting", both issue of prescription and the separate charge. My coverage said "covered in full" but then I had to pay for this "fitting" charge. My insurance company said the fitting charge isn't usually a separate charge except for first-time contact wearers. I ended up filing a complaint with the insurance company about the eye doctor but I have no idea if it really makes a difference.

 

[Ever_After]

Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act

http://www.pof.org/Fairness CL Rx Release.pdf

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

A friend of mine has worked for a couple of different eye doctor groups, and I'm amazed at the stories she tells, like the strong-arming to get people to spend a ton of money on glasses, or a patient trying to cancel an eyeglass order that hadn't been put through yet but the Dr said to tell the patient that it had been and that it was too late to cancel. Who knew?! Makes you wonder...

Can't wait to hear how it turns out for you...good luck!

 

[ChristmasElf]

ARGH! I had this happen before... at a LensCrafters.

I will only go to Wal Mart now (he gives me the RX the day of my visit!)

You might try having your Wal-Mart doc, call and get it transferred... it *IS* a prescription.

I think it's crap though, too.... I was FREAKING FURIOUS!

If this happened at a LENSCRAFTERS, all you have to do is go to ANOTHER LENSCRAFTERS anywhere in the country. They are all computerized and will be able to find your RX in about 2 minutes.

 

[Imzadi]

If you have the box of contacts, the prescription is right on the box. There are some stores online who don't call your doctor to check the prescription. There is a waiver onb the website saying it's your responsibility to make sure the prescription is up-to-date & correct before ordering.

Make sure you bring in documentation backing up that it is illegal to not give you your prescription. Also mention how if they DON'T give it to you, you WON'T be coming back - even for the next prescrition, let alone contacts.