Who owns the patient's medical record in a private practice?

• A. Patient
• B. Physician/practice
• C. Insurance company
• D. Hospital

Answer: (B)

Records in a private practice are owned by the physician or the practice, who serve as the custodian and responsible steward of the chart. The patient does not own the medical record, but does have rights to access, inspect, and obtain copies of their information. The provider must maintain confidentiality, keep the record accurate, and retain it for the required period. Insurance companies and hospitals don’t own the private practice’s chart, though they may receive information with proper authorization. So the best answer is that the physician or practice owns the medical record.