What is the best course of action when a patient requests a copy of their medical record that includes psychiatric diagnoses?

Allowing access to a patient's medical record that includes psychiatric diagnoses with the physician's agreement reflects a careful balance between the patient's rights and the need to ensure their wellbeing. When psychiatric diagnoses are involved, there can be sensitive information that might be distressing for the patient to review without proper support or context.

Engaging the physician in this decision is crucial because they can assess the patient's mental health status and determine whether access to the records would be beneficial or potentially harmful. This approach emphasizes a patient-centered perspective, where the healthcare provider considers the individual needs and circumstances surrounding the patient's mental health.

While it is critical to uphold a patient's right to access their medical records, the nuances of psychiatric information call for a cautious approach to ensure the patient is adequately prepared for the information they will receive. This decision aligns with ethical standards in healthcare, which prioritize patient safety alongside their rights to health information.