Entity Rescinds Improper Charges for Medical Record Copies to Reflect Reasonable, Cost-Based Fees
Covered Entity: Private Practice
Issue: Access

A patient alleged that a covered entity failed to provide him access to his medical records.  After OCR notified the entity of the allegation, the entity released the complainant’s medical records but also billed him $100.00 for a “records review fee” as well as an administrative fee.  The Privacy Rule permits the imposition of a reasonable cost-based fee that includes only the cost of copying and postage and preparing an explanation or summary if agreed to by the individual.  To resolve this matter, the covered entity refunded the $100.00 “records review fee.”