This guide is just a summary of your rights to see, get a copy of, and amend (correct) your medical record. If you have more questions or would like to file a complaint you can contact the people and organizations listed below. You can also contact professional help if necessary.
Who Can Answer My Questions About Getting and Amending My Medical Record?
There are a number of resources available to answer your questions about getting and amending your medical record.
Your health care provider
Your health care provider should be able to answer many of your questions about getting and amending your medical record. Your provider’s notice of privacy practices must contain a general description of your right to see, get a copy of, and amend your medical record. The notice also must list the name (or title) and the telephone number of a contact person who should be able to answer your questions about getting and amending your medical record. (This person often is called a privacy officer.) In addition, some providers have Web sites that list information on how to see, get a copy of and amend your medical record.
Office for Civil Rights, United States Department of Health and Human Services (OCR)
You may be able to get answers to your questions about your rights under the HIPAA Privacy Rule from OCR, the federal agency in charge of enforcing the HIPAA Privacy Rule. OCR provides fact sheets for consumers and responses to frequently asked questions on its Website http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/ .
If you do not find your question answered here you can call OCR at 1-866-627-7748. This is a toll free number. OCR requests that you read their responses to frequently asked questions before you call this number.
What Can I Do If I Believe My Rights To Get and Amend My Medical Records Have Been Violated?
Before taking any formal action, you should try to informally solve your problems getting and amending your medical record with your health care provider. If you are unable to resolve your issues informally, there are a number of possible actions you can take.
You can file a complaint with your health care provider.
You have the right, under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, to file a complaint with your health care provider. Your health care provider’s notice of privacy practices must describe how to file a complaint.
Your provider cannot threaten you or do anything else to get even with you if you file a complaint.
You can file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights, Health and Human Services (OCR).
You can get detailed information about filing a complaint with OCR at:
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacyhowtofile.htm.
You can file a complaint with your regional OCR office at:
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
601 East 12th Street - Room 248
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 426-7278; (816) 426-7065 (TDD)
(816) 426-3686 FAX
You can call OCR at 1-800-368-1019 if you need help filing a complaint or have a question about the complaint form. This is a toll free call.
Your provider cannot threaten you or do anything else to get even with you if you file a complaint.
You can file a complaint about your doctor with the Iowa Board of Medical Examiners.
You can file a complaint against a doctor with the Iowa Board of Medical Examiners online at: http://www.docboard.org/ia/forms/Complaint_form.htm .
To speak with the Chief Investigator for the Board, you can call (515) 281-5847.
You can file a complaint about your hospital with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Health Facilities Division.
You can obtain information on filing a complaint with the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Health Facilities Division and submit a complaint online on the division’s website at: https://dia-hfd.iowa.gov/DIA_HFD/Home.do. Click on the link on the left side of the page entitled “Complaints.”
You can also contact the division’s toll free complaint intake line at (877) 686-0027.
You can submit a complaint in writing to:
Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
Health Facilities Division/Complaint Unit
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0083
Can I sue my health care provider for violating my rights to get and amend my medical record?
You do not have the right to sue your health care provider in federal court (United States District Court) for violating your right to get and amend your medical record under the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
You might have the right to bring a law suit in an Iowa court to obtain a copy of your medical record.
