Limited access for managers

Do clinical managers have unlimited access to a patient's EHR? Are they allowed to research a patient's reason for treatment if she feels there may be miscommunication?

If it's part of their job description then yes.

Allowed? Very much so. Depending on their job level, it could be a nearly daily occurrence for a CLINICAL manager.

Pretty much yes, for treatment and operations purposes, and as such allowed under HIPAA. As an example, as a risk manager, I am in the patient charts daily looking into questions, concerns, problems and complaints from patients, family and staff. The same applies to clinical managers overseeing patient care. Of course, all such accesses have to be for a legitimate purpose (treatment, payment and operations).

OP, could you provide some context for your question? Or give an example of your definition of "clinical manager" and the healthcare setting you are curious about?

In my experience, yes, clinical managers have unrestricted access to the EHR so that they can manage their staff's actions and all other department/unit operations.