Medical Privacy

Federal laws protect your medical privacy, giving you control over your health information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets national standards that healthcare providers, plans, and other entities must follow to safeguard your protected health information (PHI).

Core Privacy Rights

You have the right to access your medical records within 30 days, request corrections to inaccurate information, and receive notice of how your PHI is used and shared. You can also request restrictions on disclosures and get an accounting of who accessed your records. Explore details in Who Can See Your Medical Records: A Guide to HIPAA Privacy Rights.

Consent and Control

Providers need your authorization for most uses and disclosures beyond treatment, payment, or operations. You can refuse sharing and revoke permissions anytime. Learn about these protections in Your Medical Rights: Healthcare Consent, Privacy, and Refusal.

Breach Protections

If a breach occurs, you must be notified promptly. File complaints with providers or the government if rights are violated.