Accessing Your Medical Records Can Be Painful

Peter Olszewski

Anyone who has tried to get their own medical records knows how painful it can be. Due to old and archaic rules that haven’t been updated, medical records are not something you can easily access depending on the type of medical records they are. To lessen everyone’s ability, the Department of Health and Human Services has a remedy to lessen the bureaucratic red tape for patients who seek access to their medical records.

Until this regulation was put in place, patients who wanted to see their medical records would often face questions from medical providers about why they needed their records. This can be uncomfortable especially if the records are for a medical malpractice lawsuit or another personal matter.

You should be able to request your medical records anytime you want, no matter the reason. If you need help requesting your medical records or utilizing the information in them, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. We’re always ready to help.

What are the Regulations?

According to 45 CFR 164.524, patients have certain rights when obtaining medical records. Here is what you need to know:

• Doctors and hospitals cannot ask why you want your records;
• If you request the records to be mailed, they must comply unless they are physically unable to do so. They cannot force you to use a web portal because not everyone has Internet access and because they can track what you view and for how long.
• Records must be provided to you within 30 calendar days. If there is a delay, you must be notified. You should no longer have to wait months for your records to be shipped to you.
• There are no longer any fees for searching, storing, or retrieving your medical records. You shouldn’t be charged for requesting information about your own health and body, especially when information is stored digitally nowadays.

What’s So Important About Your Medical Records?

The importance of this regulation cannot be understated. It shows how the United States government and the Department of Health are developing and changing to reflect the times we live in. They are making common-sense legislation to enhance patients’ rights, and that starts with the right to a patient’s own medical record. One can only hope this will promote transparency in communication between physicians and patients.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have Suffered From Medical Malpractice?

Do you or someone you know need legal advice regarding a potential medical malpractice lawsuit? Have you been harmed by the people who are meant to ensure your health and well-being? These are reasons enough to request your medical records. Medical records can help you determine whether or not you have a case, but you need an attorney to help too.

Do not hesitate to call the medical malpractice attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C., and get the best advice you can from attorneys who will fight for you. Fighting for patients’ rights is what we do every day. We are a team that is small enough to care, but large enough to win.

Contact us today.