Can Previous Medical Records Be Accessed by Other Hospitals?

Can other hospitals access my previous medical records?

Hello Dr.
Lin,
I would like to ask about the records from my previous delivery at Taoyuan Min-Sheng Hospital.
Will those records be accessible through the National Health Insurance medical resources at other gynecological clinics? I prefer not to let my family know about this.
Additionally, when filling out the information during delivery regarding the number of pregnancies, if I indicate it is my first pregnancy, will the healthcare staff verify this?
I also have a question regarding my menstrual cycle.
I experience a significant amount of menstrual blood flow only on the third or fourth day.
Is this phenomenon normal? Could it indicate poor uterine contractions? Before the heavy bleeding starts, I experience abdominal pain (the pain begins on the third day; for the first two days, the flow is light, and there is no pain).
In the past, the pain lasted for a few hours, but this month it has lasted longer, about two days.
Afterward, I pass what appears to be a transparent membrane with some bloodstains and varying sizes of blood clots.
Usually, once the membrane is expelled, the abdominal pain subsides.
Is this normal? Previously, I did not have issues with membranes and did not experience pain.

I also notice that I tend to have diarrhea the day before my period starts, and I experience lower back pain starting a week prior to menstruation.
What could be the cause of this lower back pain, and can it be alleviated? Could this affect my fertility? I have been using pregnancy test strips after intercourse, but I have not conceived.
Could the factors I mentioned above be causing infertility?
Thank you, Dr.
Lin, for your response.
I appreciate it.

L, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/05/09

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello,
1.
Past medical records are considered personal privacy.
Although the National Health Insurance Administration can access them, or they can be retrieved through hospital collaboration, accessing your medical records from other facilities requires your consent and signature.
Therefore, the decision-making authority lies with you.
2.
Providing incorrect information about the number of pregnancies can sometimes lead to misjudgments by nursing staff, resulting in medical risks.
Since the labor process is slower for the first pregnancy and tends to accelerate in subsequent pregnancies, it is advisable to inform healthcare providers of your accurate medical history for safety.
3.
If your menstrual flow does not cause anemia (low hemoglobin), there is generally no significant issue.
However, it is essential to have a check-up at the outpatient clinic for peace of mind.
Given your abnormal menstrual flow this time, early pregnancy loss cannot be ruled out, and these issues cannot be fully explained here.
Please seek medical attention as soon as possible.
4.
Experiencing diarrhea and lower back pain before menstruation is a form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
As long as there are no underlying organic issues, symptomatic treatment is usually sufficient.
Therefore, you should first visit the outpatient clinic to determine if there are any other problems (such as endometriosis) before taking any related treatment medications.
5.
There are many factors contributing to infertility, with male factors accounting for one-third, female factors for another third, and mutual coordination for the final third.
It is essential for your husband to accompany you to the outpatient clinic for a comprehensive approach.
Thank you for your questions, and I hope for your swift recovery!

Reply Date: 2012/05/09

More Info

When it comes to accessing previous medical records from different hospitals, it's important to understand how medical records are managed within healthcare systems, particularly in the context of Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) system. In Taiwan, the NHI provides a comprehensive database that allows healthcare providers to access patients' medical histories, including past treatments, diagnoses, and procedures. This means that if you have received care at a hospital or clinic that is part of the NHI system, your medical records can be accessed by other healthcare providers within the system, provided they have the necessary permissions and your consent.

In your case, if you previously delivered at a hospital like Min-Sheng in Taoyuan, that information could potentially be accessed by other gynecologists or obstetricians when you seek care at a different facility. This is particularly relevant if you are concerned about privacy and do not want your family to know about your medical history. However, it's worth noting that healthcare providers are bound by confidentiality laws, and they are required to protect your privacy. If you have concerns about specific details being shared, you might consider discussing these directly with your new healthcare provider.

Regarding the question about filling out forms during childbirth, such as indicating whether it is your first pregnancy, healthcare professionals typically rely on accurate information for medical care. If you indicate that it is your first pregnancy when it is not, it could lead to misunderstandings in your care. Healthcare providers may ask follow-up questions to verify your history, especially if there are discrepancies in the information provided.

As for your menstrual cycle concerns, experiencing a delay in heavy bleeding until the third or fourth day of your period can be normal for some individuals. Menstrual cycles can vary widely, and factors such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, and overall health can influence the timing and flow of menstruation. The presence of pain and the expulsion of clots or membranes can also be part of the normal menstrual process, but if these symptoms are new or significantly different from your previous experiences, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider. They can help determine if there are underlying issues, such as hormonal imbalances or uterine conditions, that may need to be addressed.

The abdominal pain you are experiencing, particularly if it lasts longer than usual, could be related to several factors, including uterine contractions or other gastrointestinal issues. The fact that you experience diarrhea before your period may suggest a connection between your menstrual cycle and gastrointestinal function, which is not uncommon. Hormones released during menstruation can affect the digestive system, leading to changes in bowel habits.

Regarding your concerns about fertility, while menstrual irregularities and pain can sometimes impact fertility, they do not necessarily mean that you are infertile. Many women experience menstrual symptoms without any long-term effects on their ability to conceive. If you have been trying to conceive without success, it may be beneficial to consult with a fertility specialist who can evaluate your overall reproductive health and provide guidance tailored to your situation.

In summary, your previous medical records can be accessed by other hospitals within the NHI system, and it's important to provide accurate information during medical visits. Your menstrual symptoms may be normal, but if they are concerning or significantly different from your past experiences, seeking medical advice is recommended. Lastly, if you have ongoing fertility concerns, consulting a specialist can provide clarity and support.

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