* Federal Law (HIPAA): The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) gives you the right to obtain a copy of your medical records from a covered entity (like a doctor's office or hospital). However, HIPAA doesn't dictate whether you have to pay for this.
* State Laws: Some states have laws that are more specific and may limit the fees a provider can charge for copies of your medical records.
* Provider Policies: Individual doctors' offices and hospitals often have their own policies regarding fees for copying and transferring medical records. These fees can vary widely. They may charge a fee per page, per record, or a flat fee. Some providers might waive the fee if the records are being transferred to another doctor for your ongoing care, while others might always charge.
* Method of Transfer: If your doctor transfers the records electronically to another doctor's office (directly), the fee might be waived or lower than if you request paper copies.
In short: You might have to pay, but it's not guaranteed. It's best to contact the doctor's office or hospital directly and inquire about their policy regarding record transfer fees and payment methods. Be prepared to provide information about the receiving doctor's office.