A doctor typically cannot refuse to release your medical records. Under HIPAA, a patient is entitled to access the entirety of their medical records. This includes everything from test results to physician notes.
However, there are some instances where a doctor may refuse to release medical records. This includes mental health or other records that they believe may be harmful to the patient. Other records, like HIV tests, may be regulated to state-specific or federal laws regarding disclosure, which can also limit a physician’s ability to release them.
