Can a provider withhold access to a patient's records if the patient has an unpaid balance?

A healthcare provider cannot withhold access to a patient's records solely because the patient has an unpaid balance. The legal principle guiding this is rooted in the patient's right to access their medical records, which is established under both state laws and regulations, as well as federal laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Patients have the right to review and obtain copies of their health information, and this right is maintained irrespective of their financial obligations to the provider. Imposing a restriction on access due to an unpaid balance could be seen as punitive and would likely violate the principles of patient care and rights. Providers should consider that withholding records could hinder a patient’s ability to pursue other options for care or to manage their health effectively.

While there may be circumstances under which certain types of records are restricted for reasons such as confidentiality or safety, the presence of an unpaid balance does not provide valid grounds for restricting access to any patient records. Thus, the answer aligns with legal and ethical standards that prioritize patient access to their health information.