Sage-Tips

Do doctors know when you request medical records?

Unless provided by law, or authorized by you, your doctor, HMO, or other medical provider may not disclose, sell, or otherwise use your medical information for any purpose other than as is necessary for providing direct health care services to you.

Why do hospitals need medical records?

Good medical records – whether electronic or handwritten – are essential for the continuity of care of your patients. For health professionals, good medical records are vital for defending a complaint or clinical negligence claim; they provide a window on the clinical judgment being exercised at the time.

What do patients have the right to do to their medical records?

HIPAA gives patients the right to get copies of all of their medical records. Patients also have the right to view—usually at the medical provider’s offices—their original medical records. HIPAA does allow health care providers to withhold certain types of medical records, including: psychotherapy notes.

Can medical records be released directly to patient?

Physicians are not required to provide patients directly with a copy of their medical records. Unless otherwise limited by law, a patient is entitled to a copy of his or her medical record and a physician may not refuse to provide the record directly to the patient in favor of forwarding to another provider.

What if I think the information in my medical record is incorrect?

If you think the information in your medical or billing record is incorrect, you can request a change, or amendment, to your record. The health care provider or health plan must respond to your request.

Should doctors who are accused of medical malpractice change medical records?

Though it seems like doctors and other healthcare providers accused of malpractice might simply change medical records to protect themselves, there are several reasons why doing so is not such a good idea for them. First, falsifying a medical record is a crime punishable by a fine or even jail time.

Can you write a letter to a doctor for medical records?

Everyone has the right to request access to their own medical history. It is easy to get a copy by writing a letter to a doctor’s office or hospital. There are several reasons why an individual would write a medical records request letter. Common Reasons For Requesting Medical Records

Can a medical malpractice lawyer cross-check medical records?

Often changes are made in the medical records when there is more than one copy of the patient’s medical chart. Doctors are often unaware that copies have already been made and add in their changes. Plaintiff’s medical malpractice lawyers can easily cross-check the records. Today, modern technologies add a new twist.