What is NOT an allowable fee for providing patient records?

Handling fees are not considered an allowable fee for providing patient records under typical regulations governing release of information. These regulations often specify that organizations can charge for copying fees and postage, as these directly relate to the physical handling of the records. Additionally, the preparation of summaries, in certain contexts, may also be chargeable if it involves gathering and condensing information into a new format or document that a patient or authorized entity has requested.

Handling fees, however, do not typically correlate to specific costs incurred in delivering the records and are not generally recognized as a standard practice. Therefore, charging a handling fee could be perceived as excessive or unjustifiable in comparison to the specified allowable fees which are meant to directly compensate for costs associated with accessing and delivering the patients' health information.