Doctor Refuses

I live in California. For the past couple weeks, I've asked my internist's

office in person & over the phone what is the procedure to review my

medical file under the HIPAA Rule & California Health & Safety Code.

Unable to get an answer, I went with my husband to the office & spoke

with the manager who said she doesn't have the staff to sit with me

while I review my file. So, I requested copies of the doctor's notes &

correspondence from the specialists to whom my internist had referred

me. The office manager claimed I am not entitled to to see or get

copies of any letters from specialists even though they are in my file.

The specialists include a gastroenterologist, urologist, cardiologist, etc.

None have anything to do with mental health.

I'm wondering what records a doctor's office can legally keep from the

patient. If none other than those from mental health professionals, how

can I be sure that the doctor's office is not going to pull the

correspondence from my file & how do I get them to comply with the

law?