Psychotherapy and Psychiatry Records Release
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Under California law, a therapist or mental health provider has three options to respond to a request for records:
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- California Health and Safety Code 123110 allows a mental health professional to provide a summary of treatment rather than the complete record. A provider may also decline a records request if there is a “substantial risk of significant adverse or detrimental consequences to the patient in seeing or receiving” a copy of the record.
- Under California Health and Safety Code 123110, providers may recover the cost of locating the record and making the record available.
- Due to the time intensive nature of reviewing the clinical record and determining which route to proceed with release in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code and HIPAA guidelines, the records release fee is charged prior to records release. If it is determined that records cannot be released, the records fee will be refunded.
- Records will be reviewed and released upon receipt of the medical records fee, unless the request is denied in which notification will occur as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected] for medication management provider records or [email protected] for psychotherapy records.
Provider to Provider Records Release
At Pacific Mind Health, we understand the importance of seamless communication between healthcare providers to ensure the best care for our patients.
Key Points About Provider-to-Provider Records Release:
Key Points About Provider-to-Provider Records Release:
- Free of Charge: Records shared directly between healthcare providers for the purpose of coordinating care are provided at no cost to either party.
- Request Process: The requesting provider’s office must initiate the records request by contacting us directly. This ensures that we are communicating securely and appropriately with your care team.
- Secure and Confidential: All records are shared in compliance with HIPAA regulations to protect your privacy and ensure the security of your medical information.
Medical Records Q&A
1. How can I request a copy of my medical records?
Patients can request a copy of their medical records by completing our Medical Records Release Form. Please allow 7-10 business days for processing.
2. Is there a fee for obtaining my medical records?
Yes, please reference the Forms Request document for the most up to date medical record fees.
3. Can I send my medical records to another doctor?
Yes! We can send your records directly to another healthcare provider. If the other provider initiates the request, this service is free of charge. If you would like us to send records to another provider on your behalf, fees may apply.
4. How long does it take to process a medical records request?
We aim to process all requests within 7-10 business days. If there are delays, we will notify you as soon as possible.
5. Can I access my medical records electronically?
Yes, we provide records in electronic format unless otherwise requested by the patient.
6. What if I notice an error in my medical records?
If you believe there is an error in your medical records, contact our office immediately. We will work with you to verify the information and, if necessary, make corrections.
7. Can my family member or caregiver request my medical records?
Yes, but only if they are authorized to do so. You must provide written consent or have a legal document, such as a power of attorney or proof of guardianship, on file with us. You may also submit a Release of Information (ROI) to allow a family member or third-party to receive medical records. 8. How far back do your medical records go?
We retain records for at least 7 years, as required by law. For older records, please contact us to confirm availability.
9. What information is included in my medical records?
Your medical records may include your health history, diagnoses, treatment plans, test results, progress notes, and other information related to your care.
10. How is my privacy protected when sharing medical records?
We comply with all HIPAA regulations to protect your privacy and ensure that your medical information is shared securely and appropriately.
Patients can request a copy of their medical records by completing our Medical Records Release Form. Please allow 7-10 business days for processing.
2. Is there a fee for obtaining my medical records?
Yes, please reference the Forms Request document for the most up to date medical record fees.
3. Can I send my medical records to another doctor?
Yes! We can send your records directly to another healthcare provider. If the other provider initiates the request, this service is free of charge. If you would like us to send records to another provider on your behalf, fees may apply.
4. How long does it take to process a medical records request?
We aim to process all requests within 7-10 business days. If there are delays, we will notify you as soon as possible.
5. Can I access my medical records electronically?
Yes, we provide records in electronic format unless otherwise requested by the patient.
6. What if I notice an error in my medical records?
If you believe there is an error in your medical records, contact our office immediately. We will work with you to verify the information and, if necessary, make corrections.
7. Can my family member or caregiver request my medical records?
Yes, but only if they are authorized to do so. You must provide written consent or have a legal document, such as a power of attorney or proof of guardianship, on file with us. You may also submit a Release of Information (ROI) to allow a family member or third-party to receive medical records. 8. How far back do your medical records go?
We retain records for at least 7 years, as required by law. For older records, please contact us to confirm availability.
9. What information is included in my medical records?
Your medical records may include your health history, diagnoses, treatment plans, test results, progress notes, and other information related to your care.
10. How is my privacy protected when sharing medical records?
We comply with all HIPAA regulations to protect your privacy and ensure that your medical information is shared securely and appropriately.
Policy on Patient-Requested Redactions in Medical Records
At Pacific Mind Health, we prioritize patient confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations regarding medical records. To maintain the integrity and accuracy of records shared between healthcare providers, we do not alter or redact medical records before sending them to another provider.
If a patient wishes to remove specific information before sharing their records with another provider, they may:
At Pacific Mind Health, we prioritize patient confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations regarding medical records. To maintain the integrity and accuracy of records shared between healthcare providers, we do not alter or redact medical records before sending them to another provider.
If a patient wishes to remove specific information before sharing their records with another provider, they may:
- Request a copy of their records for personal use.
- Redact any information they choose.
- Send the modified records directly to the receiving provider at their discretion.