What to Do When Your Patient Records Contain Wrong Information
Errors in patient records can have serious consequences, but you have the power to correct them.
Patient records are the backbone of healthcare, guiding diagnoses, treatments, and insurance claims. But what happens when these records contain errors—wrong diagnoses, incorrect medications, or even fabricated information? These medical records errors can lead to compromised patient records causing misdiagnoses, improper treatments, and financial headaches. In this post, we’ll explore how to address inaccuracies in your medical records, including what to do if a provider refuses to correct them or if you’re no longer their patient.
Can Wrong Information in Patient Records Be Corrected?
Yes, under federal law, you have the right to request corrections to errors in your medical records. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) grants patients the right to access and amend their protected health information (PHI). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), you can request an amendment if you believe your records contain inaccurate or incomplete information.
Steps to Correct Errors:
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Review Your Records: Request a copy of your medical records from your provider. HIPAA requires providers to give you access within 30 days, though some states have shorter timelines.
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Identify Errors: Document the inaccuracies, noting specific details like incorrect dates, diagnoses, or treatments.
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Submit a Written Request: Contact your provider in writing, clearly explaining the errors and providing evidence (e.g., lab results, second opinions) to support your correction. Include your contact information and a request for confirmation of the amendment.
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Follow Up: Providers must respond within 60 days (with a possible 30-day extension). They may agree to amend, partially amend, or deny your request.
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What If the Provider Refuses to Correct the Information?
If your provider denies your request, don’t lose hope. HIPAA allows you to take further action:
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File a Statement of Disagreement: If the provider refuses to amend your medical records errors, you can submit a written statement explaining your disagreement. This statement must be included in your medical record and shared with anyone who receives your records in the future.
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File a Complaint: If you believe the provider is violating HIPAA, file a complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Complaints can be submitted online at OCR’s Complaint Portal.
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Seek Legal Advice: In cases of persistent refusal or harm caused by inaccuracies (e.g., denied insurance claims), consult a healthcare attorney.
Can You Correct Medical Record Errors If You’re No Longer Using the Provider?
Yes, you can still request corrections even if you’ve switched providers. HIPAA rights apply to your records regardless of your current relationship with the provider. Contact the former provider in writing, following the same steps outlined above. If they no longer hold your records (e.g., due to a practice closure), check with your state’s health department to locate them, as records are typically transferred or stored for a minimum period (often 7–10 years, depending on state laws).
Why This Matters
Incorrect medical records can have serious consequences: misdiagnoses, inappropriate treatments, or even insurance denials. A 2023 study published in The Journal of Patient Safety found that 1 in 4 patients identified medical records errors, with 10% reporting harm as a result. Taking action to correct these errors protects your health and financial well-being.
Tips to Prevent Future Issues
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Regularly review your medical records, especially after major visits or procedures.
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Keep personal copies of test results, prescriptions, and other documents.
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Use patient portals to monitor records in real-time, if available.
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Report suspected fraud (e.g., billing for services not received) to your insurance provider or the HHS Office of Inspector General.
Final Thoughts
Compromised patient records can feel like a betrayal of trust, but you have rights and options to fight back. By requesting amendments, filing disagreements, or escalating complaints, you can take control of your health information. Stay vigilant—your health depends on it.
Note: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Consult a professional for specific concerns about your medical records.
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