How to Check My Medical Records

Fill out a release form to obtain your medical records.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) is a federal law designed to protect patient health information and guard medical privacy. Only authorized people, such as your insurance company and your health care providers, can access your records. You can access your own medical records, however, by filling out a medical record release form. You may want to access your medical records to recall your medication history, monitor your health, or simply to have a copy as a resource. Obtain a copy of your records if your physician has plans to retire or relocate. Your children may also be interested in viewing your medical record to determine their genetic susceptibility to certain illnesses or conditions.

Things You'll Need

• pen (optional)
• method of payment (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Ask your doctor's office if you can obtain your medical records.

   Call the office of your current or former doctor or health care provider and ask if they still have a copy of your medical records (some states require information to be destroyed if you have not visited the physician in many years.) Request your medical records online if your doctor and/or insurance company participate in the service. Talk to your doctor about how to access your medical records online, since different services require different set-up procedures.

2. Make a list of information that you may be required to provide on the form, including your driver's license number, social security number, past addresses or places of residence, or a range of dates when you visited the doctor's office. Go to the physician's office and ask the receptionist or nurse for a release form that you can fill out to get a copy of your medical records (if an online version is unavailable). If your physician practices at a hospital and does not have the form in his or her office, go to the medical records department of that hospital to obtain the form. Request that a form be sent to your address if you cannot travel to the physician's office or hospital.

3. 

   Know what information you want from your medical record.

   Fill out the form at the physician's office. Write down specific information on the release form that you would like to know from the medical records, including blood pressure, scans, blood and urine tests, cholesterol levels, and history of surgery or other procedures. Give the release form to the receptionist or nurse.

4. Pay any required fees when you turn in your release form (online records may be free).

5. Receive the medical records in the mail or pick them up at the doctor's office in person. Check to see that the information that you requested (blood tests, cholesterol, or medication history) is included.

6. Share your medical record with other physicians or family members if you desire. Talk with your family or new physician about your medical history.

References

• Genetic Health: Getting Medical Records and Information; Robin L. Bennett; 2000
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Fact Sheet 8: Medical Records Privacy

Resources

• Cleveland Clinic: MyChart