Medical Records Management: Factors to Consider When Releasing Medical Records

Medical Records Management: Factors to Consider When Releasing Medical Records

For care coordination and medical peer review for insurance purposes, medical records are vital. Check out some key facts related to medical record release.

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Medical records, an essential component of safe and effective healthcare, are vital for processes such as medical peer review for insurance, or medical record review in personal injury cases. Due to this, physician practices receive medical record release requests very commonly from various sources – such as patients themselves, insurance companies, Medicare, and attorneys. However, before releasing the medical records to any source, physicians must clearly understand the protocols or guidelines related to releasing sensitive healthcare records.

Some of the major factors to consider are: • A written authorization from the patient to release the records.

• Wording in the request should allow the medical records to be released via mail or fax.

• You must obtain a separate, signed authorization for each request.

• To release records to a patient, only the patient’s handwritten, signed request is required.

• A valid authorization must be obtained to release the medical records to anyone other than the patient.

• Ensure only the copies of the medical record, including videos, X-rays and so on are released.

• The provider can prepare a summary of the medical record if the patient agrees to it.

• You can release the records prepared by another provider, especially when they are required to develop a treatment plan.

When it comes to medical records release, HIPAA and HITECH Privacy and Security Rules are applied. The gathering and release of medical records must be www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com

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in compliance with state and federal laws related to release of confidential information. There should be an efficient system in place that allows the medical office to release complete, organized, clear records to the requesting entity.

Whatever is the purpose of releasing the records, medical record custodians and HIM professionals must ensure that the records are released properly following actual legal requirements. A healthcare attorney can provide valuable advice in this regard.

To Know More about This Topic, Check Out Our Blog: Important Facts to Consider When Releasing Medical Records

www.mosmedicalrecordreview.com

918-221-7791