Accessing Your Health Information
By DON CIO Privacy Team - Published, June 17, 2016
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, gives individuals the right to see and get copies of their health information, or share it with a third party, like a family member or a mobile device application. Having easy access to their health information empowers individuals to be more in control of decisions regarding their health and well-being. Individuals can monitor chronic conditions better, understand and stay on track with treatment plans, find and fix errors, and contribute information to research if they choose.
The Department of Health and Human Services has developed a series of short educational videos to help individuals better understand their right to see and get their health information and to have that information sent to others of their choosing (including family members, caregivers, or a mobile device application).
The following videos are available on the Health Information Technology website:
Individual's Rights under HIPAA to Access their Health Information
This video provides a high-level overview of the HIPAA access rights and introduces the topics of fees, timing and sharing health information with a third party. (Length 3:27)
HIPAA Access Associated Fees and Timing
This video tells the story of Hannah, who is moving across the country. At her last visit with her current doctor, Hannah asks to have a copy of her records to take with her. The video helps explain the associated fees, forms and the time it may take for Hannah to get a copy of her records. (Length 5:14)
HIPAA Access and Third Parties
This video tells the story of Martin, who would like to share the health information in his medical record with a heart health application on his smartphone. The video provides information on the right to provide access to a third party, including a mobile application device. (Length 3:16)