Patient access - can't fathom it!

[Bloodybridget]

Having read various things about one's medical records being accessible on the Patient Access thing, I've been trying to find mine and I can't. I use PA on my laptop to book GP appointments and request repeat prescriptions, but although it says I can find medical records via the dashboard, I can't even find the dashboard - or if it's the bit where I can do appointments and prescriptions, there's no tab for medical records there.

Is it because my GP practice hasn't uploaded the records? Or what am I doing wrong?

Hi OP, I use the app. On the app there are three dots and it says more, when I click this it shows the medical record option. Hope that helps

Most GPs don’t actually allow you access. I have the medical records tab and it only has my vaccination record on there. GP has chosen not to share the rest.

It pisses me off, we should be allowed easy free access to our own medical records

Following with interest as I have similar problems. I can read blood test results and see what appointments I’ve attended but no actual record of what happened at appointments. Can’t see X-ray results or other tests apart from blood tests. The only letters uploaded are from one consultant I see privately. M

@Winewednesday I installed the app on my phone but can't see three dots. Thanks for your reply tho!

Can't find any records at all, apart from my most recent prescription request. I guess I'll have to ask the surgery about it - can guarantee the receptionist will be vague and unhelpful . .

@Locumforlife just email them and ask for your records. They have 28 days to provide them

[quote DaisyDreaming]@Locumforlife just email them and ask for your records. They have 28 days to provide them[/quote]
This - and this has always been the case with accessing your actual medical records beyond basic test results. Even with more online access, I can’t imagine there’s many healthcare practitioners who would be happy to let patients have carte blanche access to medical records. We write stuff in there riddled with jargon and abbreviations that laypeople just wouldn’t get, but could probably completely misinterpret horribly with a quick Google. Also, medics particularly will write in suspected diagnoses before confirming them which they may, depending on the presentation/psychological state of the patient, not actually disclose to the patient immediately. If a patient were to log on, read their medical records and read something like that when they’re not ready for it, it could cause a great deal of distress, hence the need for the request stage which I can’t see being circumvented willingly by most.

Well, I can't imagine there would be too many nasty surprises for me in records held by my GP; I've been having treatment for ovarian cancer for nearly two years which is now stage 4, and I think I'm pretty well aware of how it's going to play out. I would like to have a record of Covid vaccinations, for example; surely it makes sense for people to have some electronic confirmation? I wasn't given a card when I had my first jab so I don't know what batch I got.

This is what I can see in mine. I don't think you'd be able to actually view specific consultation notes?

Covid vaccinations will be in the vaccine history (although I haven't had mine yet).

The visible sections definitely do vary between GP practices though. At my old GP there was another "tab" of conditions, which I assume showed the diagnoses coded on my record and whether they were current or past.

Well, I'd be glad to be able to access as much as you can, @Violetroselily, but I can't find anything like that on my app. I'll call the practice and ask about it when I'm feeling strong (and have the patience to listen to the doctor with the world's most boring voice read through a five minute message about Covid measures).

When I first signed up for PA I couldn't access my medical record at all. It was basically just a way to book appointments. Spoke to the surgery and there was an extra form I had to sign to request access to the rest of my file. I can't see everything in depth now, only conditions, allergies, test results, medication, letters from my consultant and consultations. The consultation part has very limited info on though and usually doesn't even say what the appointment was for. Perhaps talk to the surgery and see if there's anything you need to sign?

@Bloodybridget

Well, I can't imagine there would be too many nasty surprises for me in records held by my GP; I've been having treatment for ovarian cancer for nearly two years which is now stage 4, and I think I'm pretty well aware of how it's going to play out. I would like to have a record of Covid vaccinations, for example; surely it makes sense for people to have some electronic confirmation? I wasn't given a card when I had my first jab so I don't know what batch I got.

PP about the jargon, differential diagnosis, etc has it. Thats the reason for the carpet 'no' to everyone. If you want your batch number of your COVID jab, phone and ask. I didnt get a card when I had my first jab either.

It's down to how your surgery has set it up, DH and i both have it, I've had it a couple of years longer than him, he can see his records ( including the covid Vax) I can't, even though it's the same surgery.

I remember having to fill in an additional form and provide additional ID (passport, driving licence, utility bill etc.) in order to view my medical records after I had signed up for Patient Access. It wasn't automatic. Speak to the admin at your GP's surgery. Maybe you have to do the same.

Definitely varies. This is what I get to see.

This is all I see and it’s not accurate as no mention of allergies. (Have removed my details which should be at the top).
I let my surgery aware weeks ago but still not updated. Thankfully allergies show up on 111 etc

Thanks all for helpful comments and suggestions. I will see if I can provide extra permission or ID to the practice.