E/M Coding Alert - 2016 Issue 9
How Much Can You Charge?
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Article Overview
This article explains federal guidance on what practices may charge when providing patients access to copies of their protected health information, including general limits tied to labor, supplies, and postage. It also discusses differences between paper and electronic delivery, the role of EHR-based patient access, and the practical impact of newer technology on fee structures. The piece is relevant to compliance teams, practice administrators, billing staff, and anyone managing medical record release processes under HIPAA.
Why This Topic Matters
Patient access fee policies affect compliance, patient experience, and operational workflows. Understanding the general boundaries of allowable charges helps practices avoid overbilling, support proper release-of-information processes, and align policies with current federal expectations.
What You Will Learn
- How federal guidance frames fees for providing patients copies of their health information
- What general cost categories may be considered in patient access charges
- How electronic delivery and EHR-based access relate to patient fee limits
- Why evolving technology can affect the justification for charging access fees
Who Should Read This
- Compliance professionals
- Practice administrators
- Billing and revenue cycle staff
- Release of information staff
- Healthcare attorneys
- Medical office managers
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