Provided by: Jennifer Kirschenbaum, Esq.
September 24, 2019
Question:
Hi Jennifer,
A difficult patient requested a copy of her record. Do I send out as-is? I'm not sure what she wants it for. There is no malpractice here (my thoughts).
Thanks,
Dr. P
Answer:
Yes. You have to send "as is"; unless you want to append a cover letter or make a notation you sign and date contemporaneous to the addition. Any chance to the record other than a properly executed notation might be interpreted as a fraudulent adjustment....You have 30 days to send out the record. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/faq/2050/how-timely-must-a-covered-entity-be/index.html.