Hipaa Copy Costs
hipaa copy costs
I have to pay $70 to see medical records???
I saw a psychiatrist about 6 times for ADHD and anxiety problems (stalker, Dad had cancer, etc)
I called the office and asked to get a copy of my records. The receptionist said that I would not be allowed to get a copy. I could only make an appointment with the doctor to go over my records with him. The appointment will cost $70.
I looked up the HIPAA laws and it says they cannot charge you for the records, only a small copying fee. Also, they said I have the right to BOTH viewing them in his office and receiving a copy.
What do I do about telling him my rights? I don’t want to make him mad and write damaging things.
Can I just refuse to pay the bill?
Are the HIPAA laws the same for psychiatric records, the laws I saw said “most doctors.”
First, do you have a copy of patient rights and responsibilities? It seems that every single practitioner of everything has one of those things that the patient or patient’s representative must sign, or at least be given. That may outline a course of action to take if you have any sort of dispute or grievance.
Now that you have been refused verbally, make the request in writing. Be courteous but direct. Have a witness sign off on the request; perhaps have it notarized. State that you are exercising your rights as outlined under HIPAA. Start a paper trail. Keep copies of everything you send. If you are refused, tell them (again, courteously but directly) that you are going to escalate the issue–but first understand whatever procedure you need to follow for your area. Follow through if they refuse. At all times, remember to use basic courtesy, as failure to do so could be used against you in some fashion or another.
Psychiatric records in the USA are covered under HIPAA; they are considered protected health care information.
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