[tivert]

> In the US you're legally entitled to your medical records too but every time I've done it the response is always defensive, ie "why do you need them"

Whenever I've been asked, I just say "I want them for my files," and I've had no problems.

Sometimes questions like that could actually be an attempt to be helpful. For instance to send along only the needed records rather than a fat file full of extraneous info or save the patient the trouble of being a middleman between two doctors.

[dvtrn]

Sometimes questions like that could actually be an attempt to be helpful.

This is my thinking, annoying as it can be-I understand and can appreciate this position. It's possibly a matter of how that help is intended to be delivered.

"Why do you need the files?"

versus

"Is there something about your last visit you have questions about/do you have a follow up question for your doctor?"

etc.

I mention this because when I was on hard times financially and fell behind on a few bills I found it quite invasive and annoying when I called, on my own initiative to make a payment only to be asked "Why were you late on this payment?" in a rather abrupt manner. My response has always been "Is this question required for you to process the payment?" to which "No but we have payment options and plans to help individuals who may have fallen on hard times".

Okay, that's fair. I'd be more receptive if that olive branch was offered more delicately than "Why were you late?" which is frankly none of the debtor's damn business.

[tempestn]

I agree that it could be handled more delicately, and that doing so would probably be more fruitful (and just more pleasant). I'm not sure it's none of the creditor's business why a payment was late though. It's certainly in their interest that payments be made on time, and to have the ability to estimate the likelihood that future payments will be late. Given an obligation to pay an amount by a given date, it doesn't seem completely unreasonable for an explanation to be requested if the amount isn't paid.

[appleflaxen]

this is probably just because there is a pop-up dialog box the secretary sees when she puts in the request, and they are obligated to ask. there is no answer that will result in your request being declined, including "I'd rather not say".