Dental Records - Can a dentist withhold from patient if balance due?

According to the ADA Code of Ethics 1.B “….Upon request of a patient or another dental practitioner, dentists shall provide any information in accordance with applicable law that will be beneficial for the future treatment of that patient.”

1.B.1 goes on to explain, “A dentist has the ethical responsibility upon request of either the patient or the patient’s new dentist to furnish in accordance with applicable law, either gratuitously of for a nominal cost, such dental records or copies or summaries of them, including dental X-rays or copies of them, as will be beneficial for the future treatment of that patient. This obligation exists whether or not the patient’s account is paid in full.”

Kansas law specifies the amount that can be charged for the duplication of healthcare records. For more information on patient records click link.

http://delicious.com/ksdentalassoc/Dental_Records