Question:
The paperwork you sign at your initial Behavioral health dr apt with patient info, billing responsibilities, and ect. I guess you can call it a 'hold harmless' agreement. If you request a copy of this paperwork, how long does the dr have to provide this copy? Not sure if it considered part of your medical record, HIPPA, or even if the dr has to provide a copy legally. I have googled everywhere and even asked a HBO but she didn’t know either There was no copy provided at consultation. Thank you!
Jim's Reply:
We have to sign an awful lot of paper when we see the doctor. We rarely read it and to be honest, I don't ask for copies because there's just so much. However, anything you are signing you may have a copy of as you are signing it. You have to specify that you want a copy before you sign anything and if they aren't ready to do that, don't sign.
Yes, permits to treat you and other similar documents are a part of your medical record, billing agreements not so much but you still want a copy of that. To be clear, it isn't about how long someone has to provide you a copy of a document you sign, a copy should be available to you right then or...no signature.
You mentioned HIPAA and this really doesn't have anything to do with that regulation. HIPAA is the most misunderstood rule ever promulgated and it seems that few have a clear idea of what it means.