Patients’ Right to Access Their Medical Records: Why It Matters and How to Use It
Patients’ Right to Access Their Medical Records: Why It Matters and How to Use It Being informed about your health is one of the most powerful tools you have as a patient — and that starts with having access to your medical records. Federal law gives patients the legal right to view, request, and receive copies of their health information, and understanding this right can make a major difference when advocating for care, filing appeals, correcting errors, or coordinating treatment across providers. In this post, we’ll break down what your right to access means, what records you’re allowed to get, how to request them, and what to do if you’re denied or face delays. đź’ˇ What Law Gives Patients the Right to Access Their Records? The HIPAA Privacy Rule (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) gives patients the legal right to: Access their medical and billing records Request copies in paper or electronic format Ask for corrections or amendments Have records se...