In what scenario must health information be made available for inspection by a patient?

Health information must be made available for inspection by a patient when they formally request access to their own medical records. This principle is grounded in laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which grants patients the right to access and inspect their medical records. The right to access is essential for ensuring transparency in healthcare and enabling patients to participate actively in their own care.

When patients formally request their medical records, healthcare providers are obligated to comply with this request, typically within a specified timeframe. This access allows patients to review their information for accuracy, understand their health conditions, and make informed decisions about their treatment options.

In contrast, the other scenarios presented do not meet the legal requirements for a patient to access their records. Personal appointments are important for discussions with healthcare providers but do not automatically imply access to medical records. Requests from family members or third-party insurers do not grant automatic rights to inspect personal health information, as patient consent and privacy laws typically govern those situations.