If a patient requests that their health record be corrected, what can a provider do?

When a patient requests a correction to their health record, the provider has a responsibility to respond appropriately to ensure compliance with healthcare laws and ethical standards. One valid action a provider can take is to deny the request in writing to the patient. This response is significant because it fulfills the legal obligation of the provider to document the decision-making process. If a correction is denied, the provider must communicate clearly why the request has been rejected, providing the patient with transparency about their healthcare information.

This written denial often includes information on how the patient can appeal the decision or, in some cases, what steps might be necessary for the request to be reconsidered. By responding in this manner, the provider also maintains an accurate and credible record-keeping process which protects both the patient's rights and the provider's legal interests.

In contrast, modifying the record without notifying the patient, granting the request without documentation, or requiring the patient to prove the inaccuracy would both undermine the integrity of the medical record and potentially violate legal and ethical standards. Each of those actions could lead to further complications in the patient's care and potentially expose the provider to liability issues concerning record keeping and patient rights.