When it comes to patient health records, insurers also must adhere to that code of confidentiality. It's your health and your money. You have the right to know the decisions being made about both. You shouldn't have to call your HMO to get their approval first. Decisions about treatment should be made in a timely manner.
Relationships develop between doctors and patients.
They shouldn't have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to make an appointment. Only people with the appropriate level of training should have the power to make decisions about your treatment. Doctors should be free to share information with their patients. They shouldn't have to fear retribution by insurance companies. Today, I ask the General Assembly to fill Pennsylvania's prescription for stronger HMOs.