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Medical Records Access and Copy Fees – Patients and Third Parties

By Adrienne Hersh, JD, ICS Legal Counsel · October 28, 202526 min read

Image of medical records — Medical Records Access and Copy Fees – Patients and Third Parties

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Editor’s Note: This is an increasingly complicated topic impacted by many overlapping laws. This article is lengthy and can take time to read, but it is intended to be a comprehensive source on access to records. If you would prefer to jump to the conclusion section with a step-by-step walkthrough, click here.

Since its initial passage in 1996, the HIPAA law (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) has been implemented and expanded by regulations that have not always been easily understood by providers. This article is intended to consolidate and update ICS information about access to, disclosure of, and copying fees for patient medical records.

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About the Author

Adrienne Hersh, JD, ICS Legal Counsel

Adrienne serves as Illinois Chiropractic Society general counsel and provides legal advice and support on a wide range of legal issues affecting chiropractic physicians, including licensing and other health care regulations, scope of practice, insurance and reimbursement, business structuring, labor and employment, contracts, and litigation. Adrienne previously served for 8 years as general counsel to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation (now the Division of Professional Regulation, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation), where she was chief legal counsel responsible for overseeing all legal issues and advising the 50+ licensing and disciplinary boards, including the Medical Disciplinary Board and the Medical Licensing Board. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association Health Care Section, the Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys, and the National Association of Chiropractic Attorneys.