shuppy (@delan) — [archived]

know your rights around patient records! (in australia)

in australia, you have the right to access your patient records 1. in a form of your choosing (within reason), for example, on paper, on a USB drive, or viewing your records in person and taking notes. if that form is too hard for them, they must work with you to find an alternative form. 2. the *request* may also be in any form, as long as you state what records you want (if not all of them), what form you want them in, and you can verify your identity. 3. they can only refuse on limited grounds, such as if doing so would endanger someone’s life, violate a court order, or otherwise affect legal proceedings. 4. any refusal must be given in writing, explaining why they are refusing access or were unable to agree on a format with you, along with information on how you can make a complaint with the practice and/or the OAIC. 5. they may charge you money for access, but only to cover the actual costs of giving you access (on a case-by-case basis), and never for just making a request.

in australia, you have the right to access your records from any medical practice you have been a patient with, under the privacy act 1988.

more details: https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/privacy-guidance-for-organisations-and-government-agencies/health-service-providers/guide-to-health-privacy/chapter-4-giving-access-to-health-information