What are my rights as a patient regarding my medical records?
March 6, 2024 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Jenny König
Dear Medical Law Attorney,
My name is Christian Hoffmann and I have a question regarding my medical records. Over the past years, I have undergone several medical examinations and treatments, and I am wondering what rights I have as a patient in relation to my medical records.
I have recently noticed that I do not always have access to my complete medical records. This concerns me, as I believe I should have the right to access my own medical information at any time. Furthermore, I have concerns about the security and confidentiality of my medical records. I want to ensure that my sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands.
Therefore, I am wondering if there are legal provisions that protect my rights as a patient in relation to my medical records. Are there specific regulations that doctors and medical facilities must adhere to when it comes to the storage and disclosure of patient information? What options do I have if I find that my rights regarding my medical records have been violated?
I thank you in advance for your assistance and advice on this matter.
Sincerely,
Christian Hoffmann
Dear Mr. Hoffmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your medical records. As a patient, you do have certain rights when it comes to accessing your medical records, as well as with regards to the security and confidentiality of your data. It is important that you are aware of your rights and take action if they are not being respected.
In general, as a patient, you have the right to access your complete medical records. This includes test results, diagnoses, treatment plans, doctor's notes, and other relevant information. You can request these records from your treating physician or the medical facility where you were treated. You can typically view them in person on-site or request a copy, which may incur fees.
There are legal provisions governing the security and confidentiality of your medical records that doctors and medical facilities must adhere to. In Germany, the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) regulates the handling of personal data, including medical information. Doctors and medical facilities are obligated to protect your data from unauthorized access and can only disclose it under certain circumstances.
If you believe that your rights regarding your medical records have been violated, there are various avenues you can take. Initially, you should discuss the issue with your treating physician or the responsible facility and clearly communicate your concerns. If this does not lead to a satisfactory resolution, you can contact the data protection authority or a lawyer specializing in medical law to initiate legal action.
It is important that you are aware of your rights as a patient and actively advocate for them to be respected. I hope that this information is helpful to you and I am available to assist you further if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Jenny König
Medical Lawyer
