What does the "right of access" under HIPAA grant individuals?

The "right of access" under HIPAA specifically grants individuals the ability to access their own health information. This right empowers patients with the means to obtain and review their medical records, as well as other relevant health information maintained by healthcare providers or health plans. By allowing access to personal health data, HIPAA promotes patient engagement and autonomy in healthcare decision-making.

This right includes a broad range of health information, such as records of treatment, test results, and billing information. It is designed to ensure that individuals can verify the accuracy of their medical records, understand their health conditions, and make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.

Access is not unlimited or without conditions; there may be specific exceptions or circumstances where access might be restricted, such as in the case of certain psychotherapy notes or when access could harm the individual. However, the premise of the right of access is fundamentally about allowing individuals to see and obtain their own health information, not granting indiscriminate access to any medical records, information only in emergencies, or to third-party information.