Is this medical malpractice?

[Anonymous]

I had my first prenatal visit on May 19th during my visit I had a pelvic exam and blood work done. I have been calling for my test results and asked for my results to be uploaded to my patient portal, but I’m being ignored for some reason results are no where to be found after I was told they would be uploaded. I got a $500 bill from LabCorp and I’ve decided to ignore paying since the drs office still hasn’t given me my results.
I went back 2 weeks after my first visit for an ultrasound and never got the results from that either. From what I understand my dr is supposed to do a report tell me my due date how far along I am etc. I also have health problems so it’s important to get good care.
I found a new doctor to go to and they want the medical records from the first dr I went to. Every time I call to request my records they don’t answer the phone. What can I do and has this happened to anybody else before? I want to report the medical center for neglect!

[Akanzal]

It's against the law for medical clinics not to provide your medical records when it's requested. I'm copy pasting this since I can't post links yet.

Official Website of The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) dot gov

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule gives you, with few exceptions, the right to inspect, review, and receive a copy of your medical records and billing records that are held by health plans and health care providers covered by the Privacy Rule. Under HIPAA, they are required to provide you with a copy of your health information within 30 days of your request.

A provider cannot deny you a copy of your records because you have not paid for the health services you have received.

If you believe that your doctor or other health care provider violated your health information privacy right by not giving you access to your medical record, you may file a HIPAA Privacy Rule Complaint with the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights. The easiest way to file a complaint is to go through the HHS Office for Civil Rights. You can also use this memo to demonstrate your rights.

For more information about your right to access your records, visit the HHS Office for Civil Rights.

If you have questions about privacy, security, or HIPAA, visit the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) privacy website. You can also search OCR’s HIPAAFAQ database.

[Asker]

Thank you I know what my first step is now

[caring__1]

You can contact your state medical board, and they can mediate this for you. The lab bill has nothing to do with your doctor, so LabCorp can send you to collections if you don't pay it. You can explain the circumstances and request the results be sent to you directly. Without knowing all the circumstances I can't say if this is malpractice, but you can consult with a malpractice attorney and see what they say. You can sign an authorization to release information to your new doctor and see if the first doctor will be willing to send the records to him.

[Sparkie460]

I think @akanzol gave you the best advice