Cannot Provide Patient Medical Records
I cannot and will not send you or anyone else a patient's medical records, including their neuro-ophthalmology documentation or any other part of their medical file.
Legal and Ethical Obligations
Patient Privacy is Paramount
- Medical records are strictly confidential and protected by law under regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States 1.
- Unauthorized disclosure of patient health information violates fundamental patient rights to privacy and confidentiality 1.
- Patient consent is legally and ethically required before sharing any identifiable health information 2.
Professional Standards
- Ophthalmologists and all healthcare providers are obligated to maintain complete and accurate medical records and protect patient confidentiality 3.
- On appropriate request with proper authorization, healthcare providers may provide records, but only through proper legal channels with patient consent 3.
- Breaching patient confidentiality can result in severe legal consequences, loss of medical licensure, and harm to patients 1.
Proper Process for Obtaining Medical Records
If you need access to a patient's medical records, you must:
- Obtain written authorization directly from the patient specifying what records can be released and to whom 1.
- Submit a formal medical records request through the healthcare facility's medical records department with proper documentation.
- If you are the patient yourself, contact the medical records department directly with valid identification.
- If you are a healthcare provider needing records for continuity of care, follow proper referral and records transfer protocols with patient consent 3.
Privacy concerns are legitimate and must be respected - studies show 43% of patients express privacy concerns about their medical information, underscoring the importance of maintaining strict confidentiality 4.