Can a patient be denied copies of their treatment history if their account shows payment for services is past due?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if the account is more than 90 days past due
• D. Only with a court order

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that a patient has a right to access their own treatment records, regardless of whether their account is delinquent. Under HIPAA, individuals may inspect and obtain copies of their protected health information, which includes their dental treatment history. The practice may require a written request and can charge reasonable copying fees, but a past-due balance cannot be used to deny or delay disclosure. In Louisiana, this aligns with how patient records are handled; the right to access isn’t contingent on payment status, and a court order isn’t needed for the patient to receive their own records. The debt issue can be addressed separately, such as through payment discussions or arrangements, but it should not block the release of the treatment history.