Patients can't access medical records after doctor jailed

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Patients of a jailed Sandy Springs doctor said they can’t get access to their medical records.

Dr. Kelly Thrasher is in jail with no bond and facing numerous charges. At least one patient told Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik she can’t get important information she needs to her new doctor.

“I used to tease him and say he was like a third child to me. I have two children of my own,” Carol Astin said.

She counts herself among Thrasher’s first patients.

“I met him even before he was a licensed physician,” she said.

Astin said she was shocked when police arrested the primary care doctor on sexual battery and child molestation charges. And later, charges for practicing without a license and for creating a fake identity.

“I’m just floored. I can’t believe that he’s done something like that,” she said.

Now that Thrasher is in jail, Astin said she can’t access her own medical records.

“I have to have my medical records. I’ve got a long list of surgeries and I’m on a lot of different types of medication, and I have to have that in order for my doctors to be able to continue my treatments,” Astin said.

Astin said repeated calls to Thrashers office and to former colleagues haven’t been returned. Petchenik went to his Glen Ridge Drive office, and the landlord of the building told Petchenik that Thrasher’s office staff abandoned the place weeks ago, so they’re referring people to the Georgia composite medical board.

Astin said she’s hopeful they can help.

“I just beg them to release my records to me so I can see another doctor," Astin said.

Petchenik left a message with the Georgia composite medical board and Thrasher’s criminal defense attorney, but didn’t hear back.

Astin said she will call the board herself to see if she can get some help.

WSBTV