Why didn't they ask for my previous records?

I was diagnosed as bipolar II in October of last year. I was put on mood stabilizers and I was on those until December when my insurance changed. I was no longer able to be on my medication or in therapy.

Fast-forward to today. I am on my husband's insurance and I have an appointment set up to see the psychiatrist on June 4. It is an evaluation appointment so I may not even get meds right away (I really need to go back on meds.)

My main concern is that the new clinic hasn't asked for my previous records from when I was originally diagnosed. I would think they would want to look at those.

Should I call the new doctor and ask if he would like to see those? Or should I just bring them to my first appointment?

Any advice would be great!

I have noticed that mental health professionals are not as strict about records as regular health care professionals. However, you have not had your first appointment yet, it seems they might ask you then. Of course you can bring your records if you are volunteering them that is a good choice. Most mental disorders are diagnosed using the self-reporting or questionaire method. There are no blood, brain, biological markewrs for many mental illness's like bi-polar disorders.

They probably didn't need to ask you for your records, they will automatically be sent ahead of time from the other clinic. On the other hand, maybe it is a good thing if the new clinic doesn't get your old records right away. That way you are getting a second opinion on your condition. Remember it is always possible that you were mis-diagnosed the first time. It will all work out in the end though. Good luck!

I would just wait and see what the new doctor diagnoses is. They might not want to know what the old diagnosis was because it might subconsciously influence their diagnosis. I would bring them and just leave them in the car in case they want or need them though.

usually the records are sent to the new doc,if you have any concerns ask him about them.