Company storing medical records for thousands of patients demands Insight to pay up

21 News has heard concerns from patients at Insight hospitals in Trumbull County that they are unable to access their medical records or get a hold of anyone who could help. A document filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court is now shedding light on what's happening.

According to court documents, Vital Records Control (VRC) Companies, who stores medical records for thousands of Insight patients has filed a motion demanding Insight to pay all amounts due for services rendered following Insight's acquisition of two Trumbull County hospitals.

The document states that VRC Companies has nearly 350 boxes of medical records for patients at Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital and over 3,400 boxes for patients at Insight Hospital & Medical Center Trumbull.

Additionally, VRC says Insight has not communicated with them regarding the continued storage, transfer or destruction of patients' medical records despite VRC attempting to reach out.

"As a result, VRC continues to incur substantial costs associated with the continued storage of the medical records that buyers have shown no interest in retaining," the document reads 

As of now, VRC says Insight owes them at least $2,238.67 for the medical records from Hillside and at least $18,844.81 for the medical records from Insight Hospital & Medical Center for a total of $21,083.48.

Viewers seeking their medical records have been reaching out to 21 News saying they've been calling a phone number given to them to retrieve their medical records, but those calls have not been answered or returned.

The American Medical Association said the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) gives patients the right to copies of their records. But if a hospital closes, it can be complicated.

We've reached out to Insight regarding the viewers' concerns and we've also reached out to Insight regarding this court filing. We are waiting to hear back on both matters.

We had also called the number, as well as an email address given to patients to retrieve their medical records and have not heard back from those either.

The Ohio Department of Health told 21 News that ODH licenses hospitals and the department investigates all complaints. Members of the public can file a complaint on the ODH website. Another option, as outlined in Ohio Revised Code 3701.74, is to file a civil complaint.