Them charging for records sounds illegal...I might make a complaint to the state or local medical boards.
I wondered about that, one would think as you pay your bill you own the records. My other problem was that I was left a message about my meds on my answering machine . I think what meds I take is between me, the dr and the druggist. Not for my family or friends to hear. That was the final straw when this co dr left that message on my answering machine. I have it saved and am debating calling a lawyer. I just dont know if its worth the bother.
Cost - time for employees, take message, pull chart, pull chart apart and run it through the copier, put chart back together and file it. Time for Dr. Review chart, ok copying, review copy.
Legality - In Texas, at least, the information belongs to you, but the paper (and the costs above) belong to the Dr. "Reasonable fees" are usually set by the State.
As to the phone message, most of us assume that anyone hearing your phone messages is pretty close to you. An on-call or associate wouldn't know you as well, so would make more assumptions.