Obtaining medical records is an integral part of modern health care. Having copies of your medical records can save you from mistakes, save lives, and ensure your quality of life. Medical records are often kept by your primary care physician or at your local health department. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) established the right to obtain copies of most medical records.
The best way to get your hands on your health records is to request a copy. You can do this via phone, fax, or email. Most medical offices will require you to fill out a patient request form before they can process your request. If your doctor's office doesn't offer this service, contact your state's Department of Health. You can also request a copy of your medical records online.
The HIPAA regulations are extensive and complex, so most providers are not particularly well versed in the requirements for proper retention and security of patient medical records. A good rule of thumb is to store records for at least six years. This should include medical records that you received during your lifetime. Your provider may choose to keep copies of some of your medical records for purposes other than providing you with a copy, such as for billing purposes or to share with other providers.
The oh so long and so short of it: There is no such thing as the perfect medical record, and you should be prepared to wait for your request to be processed. In addition, some states allow you to obtain records for a nominal fee.
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