Compliance Note:

Know Patients’ Rights: Access To Medical Records And HIPAA Violations

 

Patient privacy and HIPAA compliance are core values at Genuine Health Group. Today, we highlight the patient's right to access medical records, as failing to fulfill this obligation is considered a HIPAA violation.

 

Under the Privacy Rule, patients have the right to access their protected health information (PHI), including the ability to inspect or obtain a copy, or both, of the PHI as long as the practice retains the information. Access can be requested in writing, provided that the covered entity informs individuals of this requirement via email or a secure web portal. It also includes the ability to direct a medical practice to transmit a copy to a designated person or entity. Medical practices can identify an individual and provide access within 30 days of the request.

 

To illustrate the importance of obligation, we mention a recent case with a licensed counselor practicing psychotherapy, who was fined $15,000 for failing to respond appropriately to a medical records request.

 

For more information on accessing and staying updated with HIPAA guidelines, please visit the following link.

 

If you have questions, or concerns, or need to report a violation related to the Medicare and Medicaid Fraud and Abuse laws, please contact our Genuine Health Compliance Officer at mlopez@genuinehealthgroup.com or call the Compliance Hotline at 786-878-5500, Option 4.

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