Do Patients Have the Right to Obtain Their Medical Records From Their Mammography Facility?
Absolutely. Under the MQSA, a facility must keep mammography films and reports in a medical record for no less than five years, or no less than 10 years if a patients has had no other mammograms at that facility; however, this period could be longer if mandated by state or local law. Facilities must allow transfer of a patient’s medical record to her, to the mammography facility where she will receive future mammograms, or to her referring physician. Facilities must also grant a request for permanent or temporary transfer of a medical record made by the patient or by someone acting on her behalf. Lastly, facilities must limit any fee charged to the patient for transferring her patient record to the documented cost of the service. Mammography facilities are not required to keep medical records on patients imaged before October 1, 1994 when the rule became effective. However, state or local regulations may require otherwise.
