Within what time frame must medical records be provided to a patient upon request?

Patients have the right to access their medical records, and the timeframe for providing these records upon request is often regulated by laws or guidelines pertaining to health information management. In many jurisdictions, the requirement is set at 15 business days, which ensures that healthcare providers have sufficient time to process requests while also maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the medical records.

This timeframe is intended to strike a balance between patient access to their information and the administrative demands placed on healthcare facilities. It allows for the retrieval, review, and potential redaction of sensitive information before the records are shared with the patient. Adhering to this regulation helps providers avoid penalties and fosters a trusting relationship with patients who may need timely access to their medical information for personal, legal, or continuity of care reasons.