Patients Can Now Retrieve Test Results Directly From All Labs

New rule strengthens patients rights to records held by labs

Having a complete and up-to-date copy of your medical record is extremely important. The information contained within the record is necessary for physicians to provide timely and effective care. Unfortunately, patients sometimes face significant delays in the transfer of health care information from one physician or facility to another. In some cases, these delays can have a very serious negative impact on care. You can help reduce delays by requesting copies of records directly from the source, rather than relying on your primary care doctor to request and compile them all for you. A new rule from the Department of Health and Human Services makes it easier to do this with respect to lab test records.

The New Rule

The new rule expands the rights of patients and their authorized representatives to access completed test reports at any lab in the country. This includes labs previously exempt from records requests under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988. In other words, whereas in the past a patient would have to request test results from a CLIA lab through their doctor, now they can request them directly from the lab. This new policy better supports the goals of HIPAA, which exists to provide patients with the right to access personal health information while at the same time protecting that information from unauthorized access.

Why You Need to See Your Labs

There are a number of reasons why you might want to request your lab results. First of all, having copies of test results in hand when you switch doctors can help prevent duplicate testing. Secondly, seeing your test results for yourself, rather than getting an overview of them from your doctor, can help make you more engaged in your own health care. You’ll be better equipped to track your health progress and make important health care decisions with access to your labs.

Let OMR Help

At OMR, we know that requesting medical records from your doctor can be enough of a hassle, without also having to look into placing requests with other sources such as medical testing labs. That’s why we’ve developed a simple protocol that enables you to authorize us to request your medical records from any doctor, healthcare provider, or medical facility in just a few easy steps. Just give us the basic information and we’ll take care of the rest. We can even scan and digitize the information for you to make the transfer process even faster and more secure. Please contact us today to get a copy of your lab results or other medical records.