Getting Medical Records -- How?

My sick kitten will see another vet this Friday--not necessarily to replace my cats' current vet, though I would consider replacing her in the near future.

The new vet's office said they'd get faxed records of my kitten's medical history from the current vet. My question is this: How can I get my cats' medical records (including x-rays, which they've both had) without any fuss from the medical staff? (I've heard of people literally arguing with veterinary staff over records that pertain to the *caretakers'* pets...of arguments over who gets the x-rays, even though the pet owners *paid* for them.)

Is there a near-surefire way of getting your pets entire records (not copies)?

Thank you.

My info might be out-of-date, but I believe that the medical records are considered the property of the clinic - they have to keep them for a certain amount of time - you are entitled to copies (though you may have to pay a nominal fee for those, but that's rare), but the clinic will always keep the originals.

Here you go...
www.healthypet.com/FAQ/animal_care-63.htm

Thank you, tuxedokitties.