How to Get Medical Records

If you are visiting a new doctor, he can provide the best care if he has copies of your medical records from prior physicians. Medical records allow you to skip unnecessary testing that you may have received earlier. Getting your medical records is a simple process.

Instructions

1. Contact the hospital or physician's office. They can refer you to the person or office that handles the release of medical records. The representative can tell you about the policies regarding getting medical records.

2. Fill out a request form. The office may not accept over the phone requests for medical records. You may need to go to the office to fill out a request for medical records form or fax one over.

3. Ask for hard copies of the records. This allows you to keep a set for your own personal files. If you need more than one copy of the records, go to a copy center and make the extras yourself.

4. Request that the medical records be sent to your new physician. Most offices will fax your medical records to a new physician as a professional courtesy.

5. Pay any fees that may be required. Some offices charge you to copy your records. The fee varies from office to office.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to store all of your medical records in a secure place where you can easily access the records. You don't want to pay another fee if you misplace them.

• Don't expect to get the medical records as soon as you request them. The turn around time may be as long as a week.