[Mashutka R]

Can I legally ask my doctor's receptionist, medical assistant, nurse, to read a part my file to me on the phone? I'm waiting for biopsy results that I have been in my chart since yesterday, but the doctor has been "too busy" to call and inform me.

[J_9]

You can call and ask to speak with the doctor’s nurse. She/he may be able to give you your results, or may tell you that you will have to wait to speak to the doctor.

[Mashutka R]

J_9, Thank you for your reply. However, it does not answer the question I was asking. Perhaps I was unclear.

What I was wanting to know was not what the standard practice is, but rather what the law will allow.

I know that

1) HIPAA will allow me access to my own medical records.

2) HIPAA will allow a third party to see the information in my chart, with my permission.

So what I'm wanting to know is : Does the HIPAA law authorize me to give the doctor's staff permission to look in my chart, in order for them to read it to me, thereby giving me access to my health information , as is my right by law?

[J_9]

As was stated...

You can call the office and ask to speak with the nurse. Depending on your results, they may or may not be able to discuss them over the phone. I recently called my doctor’s office and was able to get my results from the nurse.

HIPAA does allow for this as they are all considered part of your medical team. However, the policies of your particular office may not.

Why not just give them a call? It can’t hurt, and you may be able to get your results.