How to Find Old Medical Records From a Doctor Who Has Retired
If you received medical services from a doctor who retired, you may now find yourself in need of your medical records as evidence of vital information but no doctor contact information. If you have an immediate need to obtain this crucial information, there is a process available for you to find and obtain your old medical records, even if you don't know where your retired doctor is now located.
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Instructions
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Telephone the medical licensing board in your state (see Resources section). Under the laws in all 50 states, the medical licensing agency maintains information regarding where retired doctors transferred their patient records. In many cases, these records are maintained by the doctor who takes over a retired physician's practice.
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Prepare a written request to the individual identified by the medical licensing board as having possession of your retired doctor's patient records. As part of the request, include a copy of your driver's license or your Social Security number to identify yourself. Only you, your court-appointed legal guardian or a person possessing your power of attorney is able to obtain your medical records.
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Deliver the written request for your patient records in a timely manner. Keep in mind that in most states these records need to be kept for a period of five years following the last patient contact. In some jurisdictions, the period of time is longer. However, to ensure that you do have access and copies of your records, when you learn that your doctor has retired, make arrangements to obtain your medical records as soon as possible.
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Pay the estimated costs associated with duplicating your medical records. Normally, you will need to pay this fee in advance of the records being copied and delivered to you. The total cost of reproducing your records depends on how many pages are involved. A per-page charge is the standard practice, the rate varying from case to case. Payment options also vary but likely include cash, check or credit card.
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References
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Comments
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Ive faxed my records almost two weeks ago and still no reply.I also called the medical license and they told me its up to the doctor to give them information on where to get the medical records GOD BLESS AMERICA.
