Patients do own their health information, but it is a generally accepted understanding in the healthcare industry that the healthcare provider who collected the information owns the medium on which it is stored. This means, at least in the non-digital world, that the provider also owns the original copy of your health information.
Unfortunately, most patients do not know that they own their information or may even care to own that information. Can you imagine owning something that would potentially give you more insight into yourself or empower you, and never knowing about it? It happens every day with health information. If you are unaware of your health information and your health information rights, it is a loss to you, your future generations , and as a practical matter, to the entire healthcare system. The obvious question to be asked is, if I own it, why don’t I have it?
One of the intricacies of the system is that, it is up to you, to obtain your information from all of your healthcare providers and store that information in media that you own, paper or a computer file. Just because you own the information does not mean you automatically receive a copy of it or have access to it. It is your responsibility to initiate the request. You’ll likely be asked to follow specific procedures, varying with each provider: So, if you have not yet done so, request a copy of your medical records…do it now!
Ruthann Russo, PhD, JD, MPH, RHIT, is a healthcare expert with more than 20 years of experience working in and advising healthcare organizations.
