Understanding Your Rights as a Patient at Morristown Memorial Hospital: A Guide to Accessing Your Medical Information
As a patient, you have rights that protect your medical information. These rights are enforced by federal laws under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Understanding your rights can help you make informed decisions about your health care and protect your privacy.
What Are Your Rights as a Patient?
Your rights as a patient include the right to:
– Access your medical records
– Receive a copy of your medical records
– Amend your medical records
– Know who has accessed your medical records
– Request restrictions on how your medical information is used and disclosed
– File a complaint if your rights have been violated
How to Access Your Medical Information
Morristown Memorial Hospital is required by law to provide you with access to your medical information. You can request your medical records in person, by mail, or online. You may be charged a fee for the cost of copying and mailing your records.
To request your medical records, you will need to provide the hospital with:
– Your full name and date of birth
– The date(s) of service
– A brief statement explaining the information you need
Once your request is received, the hospital is required to provide you with your medical records within 30 days.
How to Amend Your Medical Records
If you believe that your medical records are inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to request a correction. You must submit your request in writing and provide a clear explanation of why the information is incorrect or incomplete.
The hospital is required to respond to your request within 60 days. If your request is granted, the hospital must update your records and notify any other health care providers who had access to your records.
How to File a Complaint
If you believe your rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with the hospital or with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Complaints can be filed in writing or online.
The hospital must investigate your complaint and provide you with a written response. If you are not satisfied with the hospital’s response, you can file a complaint with the HHS. The HHS will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action if necessary.
Conclusion
Your medical records contain sensitive information about your health that should be protected. As a patient at Morristown Memorial Hospital, you have rights that allow you to access and control your medical information. By understanding these rights and how to exercise them, you can protect your privacy and make informed decisions about your health care.
