How Do I Find My Own Medical Records?

Before April 2003, medical records belonged to the hospital a patient visited, according to the National Library of Medicine. After April 2003--and the passage of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)--patients received the right to access their medical records. Hospitals, medical providers and insurance companies may provide you with copies of your medical records.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper
• Envelopes
• Stamp

Instructions

1. Write your doctor. Because your physician should have a copy of all records related to your medical history--including procedures, tests, diagnoses, or notes from specialists--request your medical records directly from his office. Although some doctor's offices have a pre-printed form that you can use to formally request a copy of your medical records, you may also simply write a letter of request. All requests for medical records must be in writing. Include your full name, date of birth, range of dates when the doctor last saw you, and the specific information you would like. If you want your entire record, say so. Be sure to sign the letter--medical record requests require a signature.

2. Contact the hospital where you were a patient. Hospital medical records departments maintain records associated with any hospital stays or emergency room visits. Note, however, that a hospital will only maintain records related to any treatment you have received there. Your community hospital may not have your entire medical history on file if you only visited it occasionally. Send a written, signed request either to the physician at the hospital you visited or to the hospital's medical records department.

3. Request your records from your insurance company. Health insurance companies have copies of your medical records, including tests, procedures, diagnosis notes and follow-up information, because they need them in order to pay the doctor for treatment. Patients have a right to a copy of their records, free of charge, from their insurance company. Contact your health plan's call center or visit its website for more information on how to submit a formal written request.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that providers or hospitals may charge you a per-page fee for copies of your medical records; health insurance companies cannot charge you a fee.

References

• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Medical Privacy Frequently Asked Questions
• Genetic Health: How to Get Medical Records
• New York State Department of Health: Do I Have the Right to See My Medical Record?
• The California Patients' Guide: Your Right to Medical Records
• National Library of Medicine: Medical Records