HIPAA Patient Rights (2025 Guide)
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patients are granted important rights that give them greater control over their health information. These rights help ensure transparency, privacy, and the ability to actively participate in one’s healthcare journey.
This guide outlines your core rights under HIPAA, how they apply, and what healthcare organizations (known as Covered Entities) must do to comply.
Patient Rights Under HIPAA, Explained
| Patient Right | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Access Your Medical Records | You have the right to view and obtain copies of your health records in paper or electronic format. This includes your treatment history, diagnoses, and more. |
| Request Corrections | If you find errors or incomplete information in your health records, you can ask for them to be corrected. Providers must respond within 60 days (with a possible 30-day extension). |
| Know Who Accessed Your Data | You can request a detailed list of when and why your health information was shared with third parties, excluding common uses like treatment or billing. |
| Understand Why Your PHI Was Shared | Patients have the right to know the purpose behind the disclosure of their Protected Health Information (PHI). |
| Control How You’re Contacted | You can request specific ways you’d like to be contacted, such as via email, phone, or SMS, and set preferences for voicemail or messages. |
| Object to Certain Disclosures | You can ask that your information not be shared with specific individuals, health plans, or included in facility directories. |
| Receive a Privacy Notice | Healthcare providers must give or display a Notice of Privacy Practices, which outlines how your data is used and your rights under HIPAA. |
What Counts as Protected Health Information (PHI)?
Your HIPAA rights apply only to PHI contained in a “designated record set” — the official set of medical or billing records maintained by or for a healthcare provider. These do not include unrelated administrative records.
Why Accurate Medical Records Matter
Accurate health records are vital to your safety and care. They help providers make the right decisions, avoid medication errors, and deliver personalized treatment. Mistakes — like a wrong allergy listed — can lead to misdiagnoses or dangerous drug interactions.
The right to correct your records ensures your medical history is accurate, improving both your health outcomes and peace of mind.
Exercising Your HIPAA Rights: What to Know
Requesting Medical Records
- You can request records in electronic or paper form.
- Covered Entities must respond within 30 days (with an optional 30-day extension if needed).
- Your identity must be verified before release.
- Whenever possible, records should be provided electronically.
Requesting Corrections
- Requests must be in writing and specify the error and desired correction.
- Providers don’t have to agree if:
- The data wasn’t created by them.
- It’s not part of the designated record set.
- They believe it’s already accurate.
- If denied, you may submit a Statement of Disagreement, which must be included in future disclosures.
Understanding PHI Disclosures
- You may request an accounting of disclosures for up to six years (excluding those for treatment, billing, or operations).
- Disclosures to business associates under contract are considered internal and not listed.
- Unauthorized sharing may result in legal penalties.
Controlling Communication Methods
- You may specify preferred contact methods (e.g., phone, email).
- You may set restrictions for voicemail, messages, and third-party disclosures.
Limiting Disclosures
- You can request your PHI not be shared with specific people, health plans, or directories.
- These restrictions can be honored unless in conflict with legal requirements.
What If Your Rights Are Violated?
You can file a complaint if:
- Your record or correction request is unfairly delayed or denied.
- Your PHI is shared without your authorization.
- Your privacy rights under HIPAA are otherwise violated.
Where to File a Complaint
- With the healthcare provider’s HIPAA Privacy Officer (listed in their Notice of Privacy Practices).
- Or directly with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Covered Entities must honor valid patient requests unless legally exempt. You may also change your preferences by submitting updated written instructions.
Correction Requests: Step-by-Step Overview
- Submit a written request to your provider.
- Include specific details of the error and the correction you’re requesting.
- Provider reviews and responds within 60 days (with a possible 30-day extension).
- If approved, the correction is made.
- If denied, you may submit a Statement of Disagreement.
This process supports transparency and helps improve healthcare quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are all organizations that collect personal data required to follow HIPAA?
No. Only Covered Entities (healthcare providers, insurers) and their Business Associates are subject to HIPAA. Others may fall under state or federal privacy laws.
Can providers charge for copies of records?
Yes. Providers may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for copies but not for correction requests.
What if a patient can’t exercise their rights?
A legal guardian or someone with medical power of attorney can act on the patient’s behalf. If no one is assigned, the provider may act in the patient’s best interest with documentation.
When can PHI be shared without consent?
PHI may be shared for treatment, billing, healthcare operations, or legal exceptions (e.g., public health, research, or law enforcement).
Why might someone limit what’s shared?
To keep sensitive information private from employers, family members, or others who may misuse or misunderstand it.
By understanding your HIPAA rights, you can ensure your health information is handled with the privacy, accuracy, and respect it deserves.
