Having just decided to pursue another neurologist, I got a copy of my medical records.  In reading them, I found them to be accurate in what was presented, however--there were several glaring omissions.  The neurologist never noted my massive weight loss from Topamax (60 lbs in 2 months), never noted the severe GI issues (including nocturnal diarrhea, ewwww!), and never noted my ER visit for dehydration from the same.  All of these things were discussed with him.  He did note my dx, cluster headaches, but I could not find an official diagnosis code on the paperwork.

My question is, how important is it for those details to be included in his notes? What constitutes the "medical record" anyway?  All I have is the doctor's notes, no test results or anything.  No diagnosis codes.  And I'm also wondering because if I ever have to switch jobs/insurance, I want to make sure I don't get screwed by inaccurate notes.  After all, I am taking drugs that should otherwise label me as a depressed, bipolar, epileptic heart patient!   :D

In dealing with insurance companies, the worst sin is to give evidence/suggestion of deception (s they define it!)

Think I'd go back to the doc and ask him to complete/correct is records and give you an undated copy. Trying to work out holes/problems with insurance can be messy, long, frustrating.

You need to go back and have them give you the full record.  A medical record should include tests, labs, everything.  The ER visit might not be included, but that just requires a quick run to the Medical Records dept of the hospital you were seen at.

Just make sure that when you request your medical record, if they have you fill out a piece of paper requesting it, double check to see if it asks if you want to include labwork, xray results, and other things in the record.

Agreed, I wouldn't expect him to have my ER records but I'm wondering why he would not have put a mention of it in his notes.  Nor the other things I told him about, like the weight loss.  Makes me wonder how amenable he will be to changing it now.