Can they do this??

I recently requested my records be sent over from my RE to another RE's practice. I am requesting they be sent again to yet another practice. The person in charge of records told me that the 1st time to do this is free, this time I will be charged. Is this legal? If I tell them I just want my records in my hand period, can I do this without being charged? What is this about???

Re: Can they do this??

Totally legal...at this point, since you already got a first set, even if you ask for them in your hands they will charge you.
It has to do with them having to copy the records repeated times. I always just asked for the copies for me, took them to another Dr. and then took them home again.

Re: Can they do this??

Sure they can. I believe it's up to 75 cents a copy or something like that. Because they can charge for the cost of paper and ink and wear and tear on their printer.... plus time to print it.
It was nice of them to do it for you for free the first time. When I left me last RE I asked for copies of my records and told them I was updating my own records... they didn't charge me.
I made a copy of everything on my own for my new REs office (LI-IVF) but when I went there they offered to make a copy of them for my records and give mine back to me so I would have them as well. I actually was under the impression from talking w/ a few people there that you're better off taking that route b/c sometimes if drs know that you're getting your records to leave (and this isn't all drs obviously) certain pages will be missing.... I'm pretty sure I have all of my records though. HTH!