Question:
Hey Jennifer,
Just got below question from a member office. I know the max amount a doc can charge a patient is 75 cent/page. My questions for you are:
1. Does the fact the patient was terminated versus switch practices of his own accord have any bearing at all on the 75 cent per page charge? and
2. Just for my own edification, can a patient request an electric copy of his record and bypass the per page charge?
Thanks.
Q: "If we terminated a patient, are we able to charge them a record release fee for their entire chart if they request records?"
Answer:
Yes, the patient can 100% request electronic copy and the practice may charge a reasonable fee not to exceed $.75 cents per page.
https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/1443/
Either the physician or hospital incurring the expense of providing copies of x-rays, medical records and test records including all laboratory tests pursuant to the provisions of this section may impose a reasonable charge to be paid by the person requesting the release and deliverance of such records as reimbursement for such expenses, provided, however, that the physician or hospital may not impose a charge for copying an original mammogram when the original has been released or delivered to any competent patient, parent or guardian of an infant, a guardian appointed pursuant to article eighty-one of the mental hygiene law, or a conservator of a conservatee and provided, further, that any charge for delivering an original mammogram pursuant to this section shall not exceed the documented costs associated therewith. However, the reasonable charge for paper copies shall not exceed seventy-five cents per page. A release of records under this section shall not be denied solely because of inability to pay.
NY Pub Health L § 17 (2024)
Hey Jennifer,
Just got below question from a member office. I know the max amount a doc can charge a patient is 75 cent/page. My questions for you are:
1. Does the fact the patient was terminated versus switch practices of his own accord have any bearing at all on the 75 cent per page charge? and
2. Just for my own edification, can a patient request an electric copy of his record and bypass the per page charge?
Thanks.
Q: "If we terminated a patient, are we able to charge them a record release fee for their entire chart if they request records?"
Answer:
Yes, the patient can 100% request electronic copy and the practice may charge a reasonable fee not to exceed $.75 cents per page.
https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/1443/
Either the physician or hospital incurring the expense of providing copies of x-rays, medical records and test records including all laboratory tests pursuant to the provisions of this section may impose a reasonable charge to be paid by the person requesting the release and deliverance of such records as reimbursement for such expenses, provided, however, that the physician or hospital may not impose a charge for copying an original mammogram when the original has been released or delivered to any competent patient, parent or guardian of an infant, a guardian appointed pursuant to article eighty-one of the mental hygiene law, or a conservator of a conservatee and provided, further, that any charge for delivering an original mammogram pursuant to this section shall not exceed the documented costs associated therewith. However, the reasonable charge for paper copies shall not exceed seventy-five cents per page. A release of records under this section shall not be denied solely because of inability to pay.
NY Pub Health L § 17 (2024)
Have a question for Jennifer? Email is best. You can reach her at Jennifer@Kirschenbaumesq.com.
