Medical Privacy and Records Access

Medical privacy and records access protect your sensitive health information under federal law. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) gives you rights to control access to your protected health information (PHI) and obtain your own records from healthcare providers and health plans.

Your Right to Access Medical Records

HIPAA requires covered entities to provide access to your PHI in a designated record set within 30 calendar days of your request. This includes medical records, billing records, lab tests, X-rays, and other records used for decisions about your care. You can request copies in electronic or paper format at a reasonable cost limited to labor, supplies, and postage. For details on who can see your records and your privacy rights, see Who Can See Your Medical Records: A Guide to HIPAA Privacy Rights.

Requesting and Using Your Records

Submit requests to your provider, who must respond promptly and allow you to direct records to another doctor or app. You can also request corrections, an accounting of disclosures, and restrictions on certain uses. Providers may deny access in limited cases, but you can appeal.

Key Protections

These rules empower you to monitor your health, correct errors, and ensure compliance. HIPAA sets a federal floor, with some states offering stronger rights.