Posted by coral on May 2, 2003, at 22:18:09
In reply to Stealing medical records??, posted by Eggy on May 2, 2003, at 13:32:07
Direct from the AMA Code of Ethics
E-7.02 Records of Physicians: Information and Patients.
Notes made in treating a patient are primarily for the physician’s own use and constitute his or her personal property. However, on request of the patient, a physician should provide a copy or a summary of the record to the patient or to another physician, an attorney, or other person designated by the patient.Most states have enacted statutes that authorize patient access to medical records. These statutes vary in scope and mechanism for permitting patients to review or copy medical records. Access to mental health records, particularly, may be limited by statute or regulation. A physician should become familiar with the applicable laws, rules, or regulations on patient access to medical records.
The record is a confidential document involving the patient-physician relationship and should not be communicated to a third party without the patient’s prior written consent, unless required by law or to protect the welfare of the individual or the community. Medical reports should not be withheld because of an unpaid bill for medical services. Physicians may charge a reasonable fee for copying medical records. (IV) Issued prior to April 1977; Updated June 1994.
poster:coral
thread:223854
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030426/msgs/223983.html