BMA guidance

Giving patients access to medical reports

Steps for doctors to take when a patient asks to see their medical reports.

Location: UK
Audience: All doctors
Updated: Wednesday 2 June 2021
Topics: Ethics, GP practices
Justice scales article illustration

Patients have the right to see reports written about them by a doctor with whom they have a 'normal' doctor-patient relationship.

 

What you'll get from this guide

  • Be taken through the consent process.
  • Learn about patients' rights.
  • Your duties plus those of insurance companies or employers who are seeking the reports.
Topics
  • Legislation
  • Consent
  • Individuals' rights
  • Seeing the report
  • Amendments
  • Fees
  • Withholding information
  • Doctors' responsibilities
  • Failure to comply with the legislation