Understanding Pathology Reports & Follow-Up After Surgical Abortion

Question
The clinic I had opted to have a surgical abortion procedure at has told me that in the event that I cannot make my follow-up visit, they will not mail the pathology report either to my physician or myself. As I already know I will not be back in the state where the procedure will be performed but rather back in the state where I (and my doctor) live, is there an exam that she can do to determine if there are any problems/residual tissue? Also, can the clinic refuse to do this legally?  I had thought that the signing of a simple HIPAA release form could take care of this...  My health plan does not cover this procedure and my doctor cannot perform it, which is why I am going to a clinic in another state in the first place.  Thank you for any insight you may have...

Answer
Dear Sky,
The pathology report is usually of little value.  It will not tell you if you have retained tissue.  Retained tissue is really diagnosed by symptoms. If you do not have cramping within a week of your procedure, or prolonged bleeding, then you do not have retained products.  However, if you want to obtain the records, I'm sure you could sign a medical release form to have them be sent to your doctor.  
I hope this is helpful,
Doctor Joan