Online Medical Records Access

[MSWR0319]

I can't imagine not being able to go in with my kids. DS has a concussion and if I had let him go in on his own to his appointment with the concussion specialist I have no doubt he would have lied and told the Dr he was fine because he wanted released to play ASAP. When I'm sitting there he tells the truth because he knows I'll speak up if needed.

[niccig]

DS just turned 18. I was told I can still schedule appointments for him and be present if he gives me permission. I’ve always been in the room but waited outside for a few minutes during his annual for them to discuss things privately. I’ve given him the option of me not coming in at all for a few years and he’s always had me come in. He’s been managing his appointments with the psychologist on his own for a few years so I’ll now do the same with other medical appointments


Sent from my iPhone using Baby Bargains

[Snow mom]

I don't understand why they won't allow the parent to be in the room with a child, especially if the child is okay with it. I understand not being in the room for examinations to give the child privacy, but what if you have issues to discuss with the ped? Will they discuss with you on the phone? After all, you still need to give consent for your child to be treated. If they believe age 12 is old enough not to give parent access to the child's medical records, then the child should be old enough to decide whether they would like the parent to be in the room with them. Likewise as an adult, I can take whoever I want to with me to an appointment.

I think the kids can’t consent because abused kids are often coerced kids. DD goes in alone during well visits. I can speak with the doctor on the phone to give my feedback of what I’m concerned with, but she meets with the doctor on her own. She turned 12 during the pandemic so I’m not sure how much my experience has been pandemic office policies, but one sick visit I told them I thought she had ringworm and got a note out at the end with the confirmation and OTC treatment. Last time she had to go for a sick visit they said I could come in which was helpful as I had in my head the dates that things had appeared and was able to ask a couple questions. But generally we prepare DD for appointments by reminding her to think of questions she has about her health for the doctor. At her last well visit she had something that had been bothering her and remembered to talk to the doctor about it. I think the doctor would have actually dealt with it without me, but she was concerned DD might pass out so got DDs permission to call me and have me come in. I’m not actually clear where the line of parental consent is since certainly I still receive the bills. A lot more of the responsibility of dealing with her body and health goes to DD now.

[DualvansMommy]

I don't understand why they won't allow the parent to be in the room with a child, especially if the child is okay with it. I understand not being in the room for examinations to give the child privacy, but what if you have issues to discuss with the ped? Will they discuss with you on the phone? After all, you still need to give consent for your child to be treated. If they believe age 12 is old enough not to give parent access to the child's medical records, then the child should be old enough to decide whether they would like the parent to be in the room with them. Likewise as an adult, I can take whoever I want to with me to an appointment.

It’s to address the abuse concerns, which is real and valid. As a social worker, there’s many kids that do slip through the cracks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[hbridge]

It is infuriating to not be able to view test results, ect. While I understand the theory, it makes it tough on the parents and providers of medically complicated kids. I thought the age was 13, but might be 12. When they turn 18 they can "set up their own portal" which is helpful if they will share the login information.

Other than physicals and therapy appointments, DC still wants me involved and in the room. Their theory is that I know the detailed history from the "beginning".

Every kid is different; I let DC take the lead and then follow their wishes.

However, back to the portal, the worst part is when the specialists assume I can see all the test results and then get short with me when I call. I am constantly reminding them that the portal is not "complete", I can e-mail providers and get appointment scheduling information, that's it. I had one specialist go on their own rant when I reminded them. While I see the benefit in some cases, for those of us with medically complicated kids (think daily blood tests for weeks, trying to compare levels), it makes it challenging.

[o_mom]

It’s to address the abuse concerns, which is real and valid. As a social worker, there’s many kids that do slip through the cracks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I can understand screening for abuse and having time to discuss sensitive or embarrassing issues privately, but to wholesale ban parents from their child's medical care is not the solution. That leaves them open to abuse by medical providers along with the potential for receiving improper care when they are not mature enough to manage medical issues. See the concussion example above. No way were my kids at 12 able to communicate effectively in a medical setting (or even now for the 15 and 17 year olds) nor can they really provide informed consent for treatments that may have life-long implications.

[AnnieW625]

I can understand screening for abuse and having time to discuss sensitive or embarrassing issues privately, but to wholesale ban parents from their child's medical care is not the solution. That leaves them open to abuse by medical providers along with the potential for receiving improper care when they are not mature enough to manage medical issues. See the concussion example above. No way were my kids at 12 able to communicate effectively in a medical setting (or even now for the 15 and 17 year olds) nor can they really provide informed consent for treatments that may have life-long implications.

Agree with this 100%! I can’t see DD2 making her own medical decisions for a very long time. I wish there was a way that these types of things could be overwritten by the prescribing physician especially when mental health treatment (in DD2’s case adhd) is an issue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Globetrotter]

I struggle with this. I understand the need for it, but my kids were not ready to make decisions on their health care (still aren’t tbh). I can’t remember the age, but at a point the pedi spoke to us together and then took the kid for a private chat during their exam. I liked that as I still had some input and they also had a chance for privacy.

I can’t imagine how difficult it is if there is a chronic illness that you have to monitor.

[KpbS]

It's 18 here. I've filled out forms for the ped and our local children's hospital to have continued access regarding care.

[chlobo]

we lost access to online records around 14, I think. However, we have never been excluded from being in the room during an appointment.