Hipaa Records Fees
hipaa records fees
I have to pay $70 to get my psychiatric records?
I used to go to psychiatrist and I want to obtain my psychiatric records.
I called his office and explained that I would like a copy of my psychiatric records. The receptionist told me that “the way they do it is the patient has to make an appointment with the doctor to go over the records” She went on to explain that the appointment would be the same cost as a normal session, $70. I asked if there was any other way to see them and she said “no” and explained that it was their policy.
I looked at the HIPAA laws in my state and I KNOW that I have a right to my records and I don’t have to pay for them. (only a small copying fee)
So after this appointment can I just refuse to pay? Should I print out the official HIPAA laws regarding this and hand it to them?
If they try to make me pay $70, can I report him to to some sort of authoritative body?
This is such BS. “They’re my issues, dammit! Why shoud I have to pay for them?”
I think you should look into the HIPAA thing further. See if there’s a number you can call, because this sounds fishy. Be assertive though, and make sure you explain your situaation in full.
After you have the law backing you, then call the receptionist again. If you’re correct about HIPAA, cite the regulation. Tell her you have a right to your free medical records, minus the copying cost. This might be enough to scare into relenting.
She might say the small fee is for the doctor’s time. If she says that, again tell her the law says you’re entitled to your records, free of charge.
If that doesn’t work, ask to speak to the doctor or tell her you’re going to report the practice to HIPAA and the Better Business Bureau.
If that doesn’t work, then report the practice to those agencies and then sit back and wait.
Those records are inherently you and they shouldn’t belong to anyone else. You’ve already paid the doctor enough money to fill the records up with his opinions and information. There should be no other reason why they should get another $70 out of you.
Be firm.
HIPAA: Confidentiality of Health Information
