FAQ - Medical Records
Who owns the medical record? The record and its contents are owned by the healthcare organization. The patient has the right to see his / her record. If you want to review your record, make an appointment with your healthcare practitioner to go over the information.
How are my records protected? The medical record is protected by law and state statutes. The patient has the right to confidentiality of the information contained in the record and the information may not be released without written authorization from the patient. Records will not be released to others unless directed by you or compelled by law to do so.
Who has the right to see my record? The practitioner and other healthcare providers use the medical records for review of previous care, treatment and continuity of care. Only authorized healthcare staff may have access to the information in your records to retrieve or record information for billing, insurance or claim purposes.
Can other people or agencies request information from my medical record? Yes. Records or information can be released under the following conditions:
Emergency Medical Treatment: In a serious medical emergency, healthcare providers will give hospitals and other provider’s information about your health history, medications you might be taking and any allergies.
Subpoenas and Court Orders: If you are involved in court cases or litigation, many times your medical record or history is part of “discovery” procedures for certain kinds of cases. If the healthcare provider receives a subpoena or a court order for your medical records, they must be released within a certain time period. In some instances, the healthcare provider will contact the patient’s attorney to verify that this is appropriate.
Other: Remember that by signing medical forms, applications for insurance coverage, and other types of information releases, you are authorizing that agency or organization to obtain a copy of your complete medical record. Be sure to read and understand any clauses in any documents you are signing that pertain to the release of your medical records. This is for your own protection.
Can I get a copy of my medical record? The healthcare provider has the option of releasing a copy of the entire record or providing a summary of the care that was given. To get a copy, you must fill out an “Authorization for the Disclosure of My healthcare Information” form, which is available at the front desk. Copies will be ready for pick-up or delivery within 10 working days. Once a year, one copy of your entire chart will be provided to you, at your request, at no charge. Any request thereafter will be subject to the schedule of charges created and regulated by the Washington State Uniform Healthcare Information Act, RCW 70.20, Section 102 (12), and an authorization does not have to be honored until the fee is paid.