Boston, Massachusetts – Datavant, a leading health data logistics company based in Boston, Massachusetts, made a significant announcement on Tuesday regarding patient access to health records. The company declared that it would eliminate charges for patients requesting their health records, emphasizing its dedication to facilitating a secure transmission of patient information within the healthcare sector.
In a statement, Datavant disclosed that in 2023 alone, it processed over 2 million patient requests for health records. Notably, the company’s network comprises 70 percent of the top 100 health systems across the United States. Datavant has positioned itself as the pioneer release-of-information service provider to offer free access to patient records, indicating a shift towards digital connectivity and improved patient empowerment within the industry.
Shannon West, Datavant’s Chief Product Officer, highlighted the company’s mission to streamline access to medical records and set an industry standard where patients are granted complimentary access to their health information. West explained that while costs for medical records retrieval can vary across states and healthcare systems, the usual charge stands at $6.50, as permitted by federal regulations for entities opting not to calculate actual processing expenses.
The decision to waive fees for health records retrieval was the outcome of internal deliberations within Datavant, influenced by past allegations of overcharging for patient records. Notably, Datavant’s subsidiary, Ciox Health, faced a class action lawsuit in 2019, accusing the company of excessive fees for record copies in Texas. Following a merger with Ciox in 2021, Datavant agreed to a $1.85 million settlement in 2022 to resolve the lawsuit without admitting any wrongdoing.
Healthcare professionals, including Kimberly White from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, have applauded Datavant’s initiative, recognizing it as a game-changer in promoting seamless access to patient records. White emphasized the importance of easy record access for individuals seeking multiple providers for different healthcare needs, underscoring the value of a comprehensive medical history for effective treatment planning.
Prior to Datavant’s decision, Dana-Farber had already opted to absorb the costs associated with providing free access to patient records. Despite the significant financial implications, Datavant remains committed to ensuring millions of individuals have the opportunity to retrieve their medical records at no cost. With an anticipated rise in record requests for 2024 following the 2 million processed requests in 2023, Datavant aims to enable more individuals to take control of their health information without financial barriers.