authorization to release medical records

[promethius]

I know that to be HIPAA compliant, patients have to sign a medical record release form if a third party is requesting medical records to be sent to them. Anyone know what the general consensus is when patients call requesting their medical records be sent to another practice? Do we just verify their identity and then send off those records to wherever they tell us to send them off to, or do we insist that patients have to sign a medical record release form before any of their medical records are released? Are there any legal precedents for this situation or is this decision up to the discretion of the practice?

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[lobelsteve]

The other practice should send a signed by the patient release.

 

[Ducttape]

you can have the patient sign release at your office to send to the other office.

always have them sign medical release - either with you or with the other office.

 

[promethius]

Great advice. Better to be safe than sorry, especially with HIPAA. How about when patients request their own medical records? Would you require them sign a medical release in each of these scenarios: (1) came by the office to pick up in person, (2) mailed to their residence, and (3) emailed or faxed, assuming it's through a secure connection?

 

[Ferrismonk]

Pretty sure you can give your records to the patient without any issue. Of note, It's okay to charge for for this service and it's okay for this not to be immediate.

Yes, get a signed release if sending anywhere else.

 

[Chn96]

how do you charge for record release?
Nowadays when records are being scanned and then send, how can u charge ?

 

[Ducttape]

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