A patient does not "own" his or her personal medical record(s). Medical record(s) are confidential by state law and should be treated as confidential material. You, as the patient, have the right to have your medical record(s) kept confidential and only you may release, in writing, the contents of your record(s). The exception to this is if the medical record(s) is needed for a criminal or civil proceeding and may be subject to subpoena (O.C.G.A. § 24-9-40). The actual “record” is in “the custody and control” of the health care provider or health care corporation providing the service. However, Georgia law, (O.C.G.A. § 31-33-2(a)), requires a physician to provide a current copy of the record to the patient under most circumstances. Also, O.C.G.A. § 31-33-2(b) allows a patient or his/her designee to receive a copy of the requested record(s). Physicians may, under state law, charge a reasonable fee for the copying of records.
A physician may charge the fees outlined in O.C.G.A § 31-33-3(a) for copying and mailing patient records. The physician may even require the payment "up front", (before providing the records). Urogynecology Center of Savannah charges for the administrative costs associated with reproducing patient records. There is a flat administrative fee of $15.00 and .10 per page reproduced. A written medical record release form as well as payment in full is due prior to release of your records.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, please feel free to speak with our office manager Rita Murphy.
