Paying for Medical Records

If you’ve ever changed doctors, you’re probably already aware that most offices charge a fee to transfer medical records. Although the information contained in your records is yours, the record itself belongs to the doctor. Because doctors are required to keep a copy of your record, they cannot simply mail the file to your new doctor – they must make a copy. Fees charged are to cover the administrative costs associated with copying and mailing the record.

Fees vary depending upon the doctor and the complexity of the record. They also vary regionally as well. Some provinces have “suggested fees” in place, while others do not. Where there are no suggested fees, there have been instances of exorbitant rates being charged: one Ontario patient was billed $2,532 for a copy of their record! On average, a transfer fee is usually closer to $30. If you’re billed a fee that you believe is too high – you can always raise your concerns to the Privacy Commissioner, who can work on having the fee reduced or waived.

For employees with Health Spending Accounts (HSAs), fees for transferring medical records can usually be claimed through the HSA.

Source: Globe and Mail