ICD Failure

The defibrillator failed to function when I coded in a hospital elevator [lucky I was in the hospital] The techs from the manufacturer interrogated the device the next day. Now the manufacturer refuses to give us the information from the download. They claim that the battery was deasd?? we know that they got the information as we have been through the interrogation many times. Any ideas how I can force them to give the information??
Thanks and best to everyone
papaknight

2 Comments

Rrcordes

by SMITTY - 2009-04-26 09:04:27

Hi Papa Knight,

I can't tell you how to force whoever to give you the information, but I can tell you what steps I would take if it were me. Either I have been mislead, or all records pertaining to my health care are my property and copies are supposed to be turned over to me on request. The only ringer is whoever has those records can charge a fee for dispensing them. It may not be that way everywhere, but it is in Texas.

Now for the steps I woud take:

1 - I would contact the doctor. There had to be one involved, I would think.

2 - If that didn't work, I would contact the hospital administrator and request the information verbally. When that didn't work (I'm pretty sure it wouldn't) I would then put my request in writing with a copy to the doctor.

3 - If all also that fails, I would contact an attorney to see what your next steps should be.

Now I have a question for you. Have you been told that you coded because of V-Fib which your defibrillator didn't pick up on, or are you just assuming that was the problem. Regardless of your answer, I still say you are entitled to your records.

Good luck,

Smitty

Info...

by chip - 2009-04-26 11:04:31

Looking at your profile I see you’re from Michigan. You may find this guide helpful:

http://ihcrp.georgetown.edu/privacy/stateguides/mi/mi.pdf

I agree with Smitty the first step I would take is to contact your doctor. I would think he/she would have access to a copy of the interrogation. (May even have an electronic copy now)

Good Luck

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As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.