MikeNM,
I wouldn't be too concerned as long as the information submitted to the board is accurate and current for your medical conditions in question for continued service.
According to the AFI41-210 "Any reports, consults, that are over 90 days old and MEB narrative summaries over 30 days old will not be adjudicated and will be returned to the MTF commander for correction".
AFI41-210 page 138:
10.7.2. Responsibility. It is the responsibility of the board president and the reviewing officer to
ensure that the best available medical information is in the narrative summary. If the narrative summary
is deficient in the laboratory or radiology results, or required reports or consults listed in paragraph
[FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]10.7.1.[/FONT][/FONT][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]
[/FONT]
, the board president or reviewing authority should return the narrative summary to the
preparing physician for clarification or updating. The board report must stand alone during the adjudication
process at the Informal PEB, Formal PEB, the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council
(SAFPC), Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs), and the Physical Disability Appeals Board
(PDAB). Any reports, consults, that are over 90 days old and MEB narrative summaries over 30 days
old will not be adjudicated and will be returned to the MTF commander for correction.
Records Correction:
You could subimit a request to have your records corrected, but, be aware that the request can be denied per AFI41-210. But, given your reasons, I don't see any reason why your request would be denied. If your request is accepted, then the MTF has to correct the numerous errors you mentioned. Plus, you stated other peoples info. was in your records.
If you do submit the request, ensure the timing is good for you, and hopefully, your request will not disturb the MEB process (probably best to ask for corrections well before the start of the MEB if you want it done before the board meets for peace of mind).
This is from the AFI:
[FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]4.3. Correcting Health Records.[/FONT]
4.3.1. Patients have the right to see their health records and request amendment if they think the documentation
is in error. There is no requirement to agree to the amendment and at no time should any
documentation be removed from the record unless it is determined that the documentation is not on
the patient whose record is in question. The MTF record amendment policy will detail the requirements
for patient’s requests. Follow these processes upon receipt of a patient’s request for amendment.
4.3.2. The request to amend the record must be made in writing, see [FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]Figure 4.1.
[/FONT], and be signed by the
patient or guardian and filed in section 3 of AF Form 2100A or left side of AF Form 2100.
4.3.3. Reply to the requestor, in writing, within 60 days with either an acceptance or denial of the
amendment. If this is not possible, a 30-day extension is allowed. However, the MTF will inform the
patient, in writing, about the extension. The letter will include a reason for the delay and a date the
response will be provided. Only one extension is allowed per amendment request.
4.3.4. Denial of requests is allowed if any of the following conditions are met:
4.3.4.1. The protected health information is not part of a designated record set available for
inspection under HIPAA.
4.3.4.2. The information requested to be amended is actually accurate and complete.
4.3.4.3. The MTF did not originally create the protected health information requested for amendment
(e.g., copies of records from treatment at another MTF or civilian facility provider). However,
if the requestor can prove that the MTF which originally created the information no longer
exists, the MTF will handle the request as if it had created the information.
4.3.5. Upon receipt of a request for record amendment, forward it immediately to the applicable provider
for research.
4.3.6. Take the following action when a minor error is identified near in time to the erroneous entry
date and the responsible practitioner has current memory of the circumstances.
4.3.6.1. Line through the incorrect data with one straight line. Do not erase, scratch out or otherwise
destroy the original data. Amendment of erroneous data should be done by the originating
practitioner. If that is impractical, enter a brief explanation of why the originating provider did not
make the correction. Enter the correct data next to the lined through data if space permits. Only
providers privileged to document patient care will make corrections. The date for all entries or
corrections must be the actual date of the notation.
[FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]50 AFI41-210 22 MARCH 2006[/FONT]
4.3.6.2. If there is not enough space on the record next to the incorrect data to enter the correction,
draw one straight line through the entry, initial, date and make a referral note to where in the
record the correction is documented. Then enter the correction chronologically as indicated on the
referral note. If the correction is not self-explanatory, also enter the reason for the correction. Provider
will sign, date, and stamp the new entry. If other practitioners are associated with the
patient’s care and have a need-to-know concerning the change, inform them of the correction.
Major changes may require documentation on a separate form (i.e., a new, blank form). Follow the
same procedures stated above and file the corrected information as near as possible to the document
containing the lined through information.
4.3.7. Take the following action if an error is identified after a claim or lawsuit has been filed or after
a substantial time lapse:
4.3.7.1. Do not automatically amend the record as outlined in paragraph [FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold][FONT=TimesNewRoman,Bold]4.3.6. [/FONT][/FONT]when the adequacy
of care has been challenged by the patient. Any amendment of the actual record is likely to create
an appearance and allegation of record tampering. Consult the SJA or area medical law consultant
for guidance.
4.3.7.2. The practitioner with personal knowledge of the erroneous data, prepares a separate statement
of fact with the assistance of the SJA. The statement becomes a part of the claim or litigation
file. Notify all practitioners involved with the patient’s care if the erroneous data could affect the
patient’s future care.
4.3.8. Active duty members who believe their medical records contain erroneous information may
apply to the Air Force Board of Correction of Military Records, SAF/MIBR, 550 C Street West, Suite
40, Randolph AFB TX 78150-4742. The MTF will take no action until contacted by the board representatives.
See the “Guide to Processing Applications to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military[/FONT]
Records (AFBCMR)”, dated 20 June 1995.
I posted the info. from the AFI for others to view who may be interested in how the process works for the AF.
I hope my input helps.
