How to Request Your Medical Records

Do you want our office to send your records to another doctor, facility, third party or to you?

If so you must fill out and sign the Request to Release information form (see link below) return it to our office either by bringing it in person, mailing the form or faxing it to our medical records department at 275-5251.

• Request to Release Information Form

Pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) patients may request a copy of their own medical records.

You must sign a request to release information before any records can be disclosed. You must obtain, complete and sign the designated form. This form can be obtained by the following methods:

• A blank form can be retrieved by the internet on our website.
• A blank form can be mailed to the patient
• A blank form can be faxed to the patient
• A blank form can be picked up at our office.

We will disclose your medical records to you by one of the following methods:

• Handed directly to patient
• Mailed to patients home address

OR

• Web Portal Users can print or download their Healthcare Document Exchange

The disclosure of records should only be faxed when mailing would not meet the immediate needs of patient care. Faxing is discouraged in situations where time is not of the essence, but it is permissible as long as you consent to the fax transmission in writing. The authorization signed by the patient should mention that the records are to be released by fax and that there are inherent risks in faxing records.

Will there be a charge for processing your records request?

Under the following circumstances, there will be a charge for processing your records request:

• Patients who transfer to another Gastroenterologist
• Patients who move out of state
• State of Florida Disability / other State Disability requests
• Attorney's Request
• Clerk of Court Subpoena's
• Insurance Companies / Life Insurance
• Third Party Vendors

A bill will be sent to you by Health Port. All billing inquiries must be made directly to Health port.

Medical records request are processed and handle by a third party company "Health Port". There is a standard fee of $1.00 per page, plus shipping and handling fees. A properly signed medical records release will be required in order to get the copy of your medical records. If you have any questions about your request or about the bill you received call Health Port at 1-800-367-1500 or visit their website www.healthport.com

Do you want our office to obtain your records from another doctor or another facility?

If so you must fill out and sign the Request to Obtain information form (see link below) return it to our office either by bringing it in person, mailing the form or faxing it to our medical records department at 275-5251. There will be no charges or fees applied for any request from a "Covered Entity" for Treatment, which means a request from the Primary Care Physician, Referring Doctor, Surgeon or Specialist, Hospital or other Medical Facility that is treating the patient.

• Request to Obtain Information Form

Practice News

Congratulations to our newest Associate, Julian Perez, M.D., for obtaining his Board Certification in Gastroenterology!

We've been featured in a news story! - Health Matters: Detecting AVMs with a pill camera

On November 6, 2011 Dr Weiss and Staff participated in the Crohn’s & Colitis 1.2 mile walk, “Take Steps to be Heard” at Lakes Regional Park in Ft Myers. Gastroenterology Associates had taken donations for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and will continue to support the cause. Barbara Cioffi our practice representative had set up a table for digestive awareness at the event and coordinated with physicians and staff to get involved. If you would like more information on this foundation or would like to donate to our team go to this direct link here.

Employee of the Quarter
Congratulations! Janet Ramirez has been awarded the employee of the fourth quarter for 2011, she has been with the practice for 13yrs and is working in the Billing Office. Janet had been recognized by staff and management as a team player, she is someone who goes above and beyond. Great Job – Keep up the good work!

New Certified Physician Assistant Joins Our Practice
Please welcome our new associate Daniel Murphy, P.A.-C; he is a certified physician assistant. Daniel Murphy will be working with Dr Bay's patients and will have office hours at our Ft Myers location. If you need an appointment call us at 239-275-8882 to get scheduled.

New Physician Joins Our Practice

We are pleased to introduce our new associate Julian A. Perez, M.D. who is accepting new patients in both Ft Myers and Cape Coral offices. Dr Perez is also bilingual in English and Spanish, Call our office today to schedule an appointment.