A
male
age
36-40,
*haseTerrier
writes:I went to the doctor's office for an Ingrown toe nail. This is my forth or fifth time there. The problem is when I look at the computer screen, I notice they listed "mild retardation" under my "ongoing medical problem". I am not retarded in any way. I only have a speech impediment (Apraxia of speech) that I have had since I was born.Who should I talk to at the doctor office to get it fixed? Should I ask one of the nurses or one of the doctors to change it? Also, can I request to view their records of me in the future to make sure they change it? I tried talking about it to one nurse and she either ignore me or did not hear me since she walked out of the room without a reply. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, chigirl  +, writes (28 May 2012):
 When you see your doctor next, ask to see your medical records. Then when you get them, give your doctor a call, or talk to them again, and ask about what is written there that you feel is not correct.
A
reader, anonymous, writes (28 May 2012): I think you need to see your records in full to see the context it is written in, the word is inappropriate even if a doctor has used it to refer to your toenail growth "slowing". You should request (pay if you have to, we do in the uk about £10 so not much!) for your entire medical records and if there is something on there inappropriate you should go back to the doctors and ask for it to be rephrased or removed. If they won't then maybe have some legal advice and show them your records and see if they can help you. Like others have said some jobs require medical history and it could affect your future career.
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A
male
reader, Fatherly Advice +, writes (28 May 2012):
 Chase,
I wish I knew the answer to that in the United States. Most Doctors / medical staff won't even let you see your records. It is a bit like your permanent school records.
The term "retarded" is legally loaded here and just using it can get you in trouble. I understand a bit about that due to an experience my brother had with a judge.
I agree that there is a problem her that needs to be resolved, but you may need a lawyer just to know where to start.
FA
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A
female
reader, AuntyEm  +, writes (28 May 2012):
 Not sure how it is in the USA but here in the medical profession we refrain from using such words as retardation...there are better and more accurate terms that are less distressing and less offensive.
Here we are alble to pay to see our medical records and if there is anything that causes offence and cannot be shown to be accurate then it is possible to have it stricken from the records.
Speaking to nursing staff is useless as they probably won't know which way to pursue this. Consult an lawyer and ask which way you can proceed.
The word retarded in medical records could prove discriminatory, especially if you are applying for a job where your medical history has to be revealed. If the term isn't explained properly or attributed to some specific and accurate condition it may be misconstrude by an employer.
I definitely think you need to view your medical records and have them explained to you. If the term retarded is being used too broadly and you feel it's unfairly being used then it's time to seek a legal pathway.
An interesting question and good luck with it.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (28 May 2012): I would consult an attorney if I were you. The nurse obviously ignored you precisely because she believed the "mild retardation" statement records. This inaccurate (not to mention prejudiced) mislabel has costed you adequate medical care.
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A
male
reader, Dr.LanceMerryweather +, writes (28 May 2012):
 So you're saying that your own self-prognosis is superior to and to be regarded as better informed than that of a medical practitioner?
What makes you think that the term "mild retardation" refers to your apraxia of speech - which is indeed caused by damage to the cerebrum - and results in an inability to co-ordinate movement necessary for speech?
It could as easily be referring to your ingrowing toenail condition, whereby instead of healing, is indeed retarding, resulting in your four visits.
In either case, the term is an acceptable one within medical circles and you would be best advised to think carefully before jumping to conclusions.
If in doubt, as your doctor directly, I'm sure he or she would be happy to advise.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (28 May 2012): After talking to the doctor and if he doesn't change it then I would say some like I'm going to check with my attorney, that will let the doctor know you mean business. The doctor never treated you for retardation so yes I'll be raising hell with doc.
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A
female
reader, Pretty and proud +, writes (28 May 2012):
 Ask the doc him/her self, just explain you find it kinda an offensive word and would like the full condition name listed or even "defect" I have that at my docs.
I have radialulnarsynostosis (arm bones knitted) and it says on thier screens "deformity in left arm" it is not deformed and I have a laugh with it but can see how the word "retardation" can be offensive.
Good luck x
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