TheHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)ensures that your medical records are private.

Another important part of this law allows you to request amendments to your medical record if you find errors.

This article takes a closer look at how to correct errors in your medical records.

Nurse checking medical records

XiXinXing / iStock

Sometimes there is acost for getting copies of your records.

after you grab your medical records, you’re able to review them.

If you are on the fence, it is better to correct something than to leave it incorrect.

If so, ask them to email, fax, or mail a copy to you.

The goal is to make it very easy for your provider’s office to amend your records.

Make a copy of the page(s) where the error(s) occur.

If they sent you a form to fill out, you could staple the copy to the form.

The letter should include some basics, such as your name and the date of service of your letter.

Staple your letter to the copy of the page that contains the error.

Your providers are not required to make the change you request.

There are a number of reasons that your request could be denied.

This written statement will also be added to your medical records.

Be prepared for the possibility that your provider will also respond with a written rebuttal.

Summary

It is your legal right to correct errors in your medical records.

After obtaining your records from a patient portal, review them carefully and check for errors.

Be clear with your request.

Upon receiving it, your provider will have 60 days to act on your request.

Your provider is not required to make the requested change.

If it is denied, you will receive a written notification.

If you wish to dispute the denial, you will need to send another written statement.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Your medical records.

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.The HIPAA privacy rule: patients' rights.