Do patients have the right to access their medical records?

Patients do have the right to access their medical records, which is a crucial aspect of patient autonomy and rights in healthcare. This right is protected under laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, which ensures that individuals can request access to their medical information. Access to medical records allows patients to be informed about their health status, make educated decisions regarding their treatments, and ensure the accuracy of the information held about them.

The adherence to this right helps empower patients to participate actively in their healthcare and fosters a sense of trust between patients and their healthcare providers.