Veterinarians DON’T want to release Highly Significant patient Records!

(Such as X-rays, Ultrasound, surgical and anesthesia Reports)

I started requesting Asproolee’s records telephonically a week after he passed away (Feb 28, 2008). As of August 2008 I have still NOT been able to obtain all records!

1.  Madison Animal Care Center released copies of records (some appeared altered with additional comments).  Radiographic copies were NOT RELEASED.

2.  On March 12, 2008, I received copies of four records from the surgeon, Tony Ballagas.

      a.  Cost Estimate and Consent Form.

      b.  The Internist’s (Lothrop) findings and recommendation for exploratory surgery.

      c.  Discharge Summary and Instructions, 3 weeks after Asproolee passed away I received this document, although oral instructions were the same with the additional oral comments that Asproolee was not eating, and that I should make sure he ate!  (Accepted normal surgical procedure is NOT to return the patient to the owner until the patient is eating/drinking normally again!)

      d.  Pathology Report, Auburn University, dated Feb 21, 2008 (Asproolee’s death date!).  Pathology report indicated that there was nothing wrong with his intestines, but liver abnormality was THE ONLY SIGNIFICANT FINDING!  Yet, the surgeon thought that this diagnosis on Ultrasound findings was interpreted as a usual geriatric finding!  Had we received this pathology (biopsy) report even 2-3 days prior to Asproolee’s passing, he could have been treated RIGHT and be ALIVE TODAY!

      e.  TO THIS DATE, THE SURGEON WILL NOT RELEASE THE ANESTHETIC AND SURGICAL PROTOCOLS and any tests performed after surgery!  Why? Is he hiding something???

3.  The Internist (Lothrop) mailed copies of two records. (See link in 2b above)

      a.  His letter addressed to the attending vets’ boss and owner of Madison Animal Care Hospital, Brian Magee, with his findings and recommendation for surgery.

      b.  His ultrasound report.

      c.  NO ULTRASOUND COPIES WERE RELEASED BY LOTHROP!

Because It was critical to have copies of the ultrasound and X-rays for Professor Mattoon’s professional interpretation, and based on the attending vets’ (Armes, Fry) and internist’s resistance in releasing these IMPORTANT records, I finally emailed the American Veterinary Medical Association  (AVMA) State Policy Analyst for assistance/guidance in obtaining copies of these records.  Click here to review the email chain reflecting my struggle to obtain Ultrasound and radiographic tests.

I finally received a photocopy of the ultrasound on 9 Jul 2008, nearly 5 months after my first request.

I finally received copies of x-rays from Madison Animal Care Hospital in July 2008 as well.

IT'S STILL ALL ABOUT THE MONEY WITH SOME OF THEM!

BALLAGAS charged just for making photocopies and for mailing fees!

MADISON ANIMAL CARE HOSPITAL charged us for their technician's time AND even for gasoline!

I have still NEVER received the surgical and anesthetic protocols/reports from Tony Ballagas of the Birmingham Veterinary Surgical Center.