Requests for records- RESPONSES
Randy McFarland
Description
Collection
Title:
Requests for records- RESPONSES
Creator:
Randy McFarland
Date:
9/4/2003
Text:
Original question:
When a patient or anyone requests their records, is that meant to
include everything in the chart, or just the progress notes? Please
mention the source of your answer, not just your opinion unless you have
legal background. I'll post answers without names.
Thanks, and have a good weekend!
Randy McFarland, CPO
Responses:
I believe our records are the property of the patients. If the patients
requests them you can ask if they want the notes, or everything in the
chart. When I am asked to do this I normally just give the chart notes.
If I am asked for the billings I include them also. What I do not
provided are the packing slips, or cost of componentry since that is
identified as a complete service in the billing. You may call some of
your doctor friends and ask if you can charge a fee for putting a copy
of this together for them.
In addition Randy, I do believe you should get there request in writing
due to HIPPA laws so that you are not accused of giving out confidential
information. I think that if anyone wants information lawyers, family
members, etc. they should sing some kind of privacy form.
When requests are received from a lawyer (or subpoena), they general
state specifically what is requested. We supply only what is requested
and no more. If they need more, they will ask. Patients are also
required to provide written requests for records and are instructed to
state exactly what they need and why. Under the new HIPAA regulations,
however, patients have the legal right to just about anything in that
file. Refer to that if needed.
When a patient or anyone requests their records, is that meant to
include everything in the chart, or just the progress notes? Please
mention the source of your answer, not just your opinion unless you have
legal background. I'll post answers without names.
Thanks, and have a good weekend!
Randy McFarland, CPO
Responses:
I believe our records are the property of the patients. If the patients
requests them you can ask if they want the notes, or everything in the
chart. When I am asked to do this I normally just give the chart notes.
If I am asked for the billings I include them also. What I do not
provided are the packing slips, or cost of componentry since that is
identified as a complete service in the billing. You may call some of
your doctor friends and ask if you can charge a fee for putting a copy
of this together for them.
In addition Randy, I do believe you should get there request in writing
due to HIPPA laws so that you are not accused of giving out confidential
information. I think that if anyone wants information lawyers, family
members, etc. they should sing some kind of privacy form.
When requests are received from a lawyer (or subpoena), they general
state specifically what is requested. We supply only what is requested
and no more. If they need more, they will ask. Patients are also
required to provide written requests for records and are instructed to
state exactly what they need and why. Under the new HIPAA regulations,
however, patients have the legal right to just about anything in that
file. Refer to that if needed.
Citation
Randy McFarland, “Requests for records- RESPONSES,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 6, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/221799.
