Can my health service provider waive or discount the cost of providing access if I can't afford it?QUESTION: Can my health service provider waive or discount the cost of providing access if I can't afford it? ANSWER: Yes, health service providers can give you access to your health information for free or at a discount. The Privacy Act doesn't require providers to charge individuals for giving access to their health information. Providing access free of charge, or at a discount, is up to the provider's discretion. The Privacy Act does allow providers to charge for access, as long as the fee is not excessive (see NPP 6.4). Normally a fee can be charged to recover reasonable costs of providing access, such as resources, time and labour. Related FAQs I think my doctor has charged me too much to give me access to my medical records. What can I do? |