Knowing what information is contained in your medical records is vitally important, because the contents of your medical history can affect your ability to obtain reasonable health insurance rates, can impact settlement value if you are injured in an accident, and can also affect how you are diagnosed for future medical conditions. Below is a recent post Pennsylvania accident attorney Stuart Carpey wrote that provides a good explanation of what your privacy rights are and how to obtain your medical records from your doctor.
In 2003, Congress enacted the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, which established the rights a patient has to their Protected Health Information (PHI), or medical records. In accordance with this act, you hold the right to request a copy of your medical records from your personal healthcare provider. Looking over a copy of your medical records could help you and your doctor to have a mutual understanding of your medical history, thereby reducing the chance of any potential medical mistakes.
However, many Americans still may not be sure exactly how to obtain their records, or even what their records consist of. The first thing you should do is ask your doctor about his or her special procedures for requesting medical records. This could mean filling out a specific form or submitting a request in writing through mail, e-mail or fax. Within 30 days after receiving your request, your doctor must inform you that your request has been either accepted or denied.
The information provided in your medical records includes:
- Medical history
- Family health history
- Results of examinations
- Test results
- Treatment received in a hospital
- Medicine prescribed
If you have requested to have a copy of your records made for you, your doctor holds the right to charge a certain fee per page. However, if you only wish to look at your records, there is no fee.
If there is any incorrect information, or if you feel vital information is missing from records, you may request to make an amendment to your medical records. However, you do not have the right to request information to be removed from your records or to dispute your doctor’s diagnosis. The point of an amendment to your medical records is to add any information you feel would be essential to your healthcare provider.
Stuart Carpey is a practicing personal injury attorney in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. Carpey represents clients in Pennsylvania for auto accidents, premises liability, construction accidents, medical malpractice, work injuries, civil rights claims, and insurance claims.
If you have question about your legal rights in South Carolina, contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm today for a complimentary consultation.
