This cartoon is about the HIPAA right to access medical records. Obtaining access to one’s medical records is currently like a scavenger hunt. Patients have to call and call again, wait seemingly forever to get records, and receive them via ancient means like mail and fax. There have been several articles (here, here, and here) about healthcare providers clinging desperately to their antiquated fax machines. According to a study in 2019, 90% of healthcare providers still use faxes.

Many healthcare providers cite to HIPAA as a reason to deny patient’s requests to be emailed their records.  But ironically, HIPAA says the opposite – providers must email patients their records if patients request them via email.

We’re well into the 21st Century now, and access to our health data should be much easier. HIPAA should do more than provide a right to access. It should encourage access and improve the ease of access.

My Posts About HIPAA Access

The Failure of HIPAA’s Right of Access

Patient Access to Medical Records Under HIPAA: Significant Reform Needed

HIPAA’s Failure to Provide Enough Patient Control Over Medical Records

The Persistent Problems with Access to Records Under HIPAA

Yes, HIPAA Requires Medical Records to Be Emailed to Patients if Requested

HIPAA Resources

HIPAA Training Courses
HIPAA Training Guide
HIPAA Training Requirements FAQ
HIPAA Whiteboard
HIPAA Resources

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This post was authored by Professor Daniel J. Solove, who through TeachPrivacy develops computer-based HIPAA training. He has more than 1 million LinkedIn followers.

Professor Solove’s HIPAA Training

HIPAA Whiteboard

HIPAA summarized in 1 page!