ACA and Your Right to Accurate Medical Records

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) protects patients’ access to their medical records, including the right to request corrections, review, and copies. The ACA also establishes the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to enforce HIPAA regulations, which include provisions for patient access to their medical records. Here’s a brief overview of your rights and how to request corrections to your medical records:

Your Right to Correct Medical Records

Under the ACA, you have the right to request corrections to your medical records if you believe they contain incorrect or incomplete information. This includes personal information, health conditions, medications, allergies, and any other relevant medical data.

How to Request Corrections

To request a correction, you can follow these steps:

1. Contact your healthcare provider or the facility that maintains your medical records. You can do this in writing, by email, or by phone.
2. Provide a clear explanation of the errors or omissions. Be specific and provide any evidence you have to support your request.
3. Request the specific changes you want made. Clearly indicate the incorrect information and the correct information you want entered.
4. State that you are requesting a correction under the ACA. This will ensure that your provider understands your statutory rights.

Provider’s Responsibilities

Your healthcare provider is required to review your request promptly and respond within a reasonable time. They have a duty to make reasonable efforts to investigate your request and determine if the information in your medical records is correct. If your provider agrees with your request, they must make the necessary corrections.

If Your Request is Denied

If your healthcare provider denies your request for corrections, they must provide you with a written explanation for the denial. You can then appeal the decision by filing a complaint with OCR.

Consequences of Inaccurate Medical Records

Inaccurate medical records can have serious consequences, such as:

Denial of insurance coverage
Incorrect treatment decisions
Discrimination in employment or housing
Difficulty obtaining medical services
Damage to your reputation

Additional Resources

[OCR Complaint Portal](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint/index.html)
[HIPAA Privacy Rule](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/)
[Patient Access to Protected Health Information Under HIPAA](https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/access/)