What is required for a patient to access their own medical records?

For a patient to access their own medical records, a written request is typically required. This is because a written request provides a formal and documented method for patients to express their right to access their health information. It establishes a clear record of the request and its details, which is important for both the patient and the healthcare provider.

In many jurisdictions, healthcare laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, mandate that patients must make a written request to ensure that their request is handled appropriately and securely. This written format helps to protect patient privacy and maintain proper records management by clearly outlining the nature of the request, including specifics such as the type of records desired and the time period covered.

While verbal requests might be acceptable in some informal settings, they do not provide the legal protections or documentation that a written request does. Other options such as approval from an insurance company may be irrelevant to a patient's right to access their own records, as insurance companies do not typically dictate access rights to medical information. Similarly, although identification verification is an important part of the process to ensure that the request is being made by the right person, it does not replace the need for a written request.