FAQ: Medical Records
Question: Where can I get a copy of my medical records? How private are my medical records?
Answer:
The National Library of Medicine® does not keep hospital or physician medical records.
For information on privacy and accessing your medical records, go to the MedlinePlus® topic page on Personal Health Records at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/personalmedicalrecords.html
Before April 14, 2003, hospital records were the property of the hospital. Contact the hospital directly for your records. You can find hospital information at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/services/hospital.html. If the hospital no longer exists, contact your state’s Department of Health at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/international/relres.html for help.
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) may be helpful to you: http://www.myphr.com/resources/faqs.aspx
Federal law now requires health care providers to give you access to your medical records. The new rule is part of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). For more information, go to
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/index.html
Notices from health providers and plans should include how to get copies of your medical records. Laws usually allow health care facilities to charge a "reasonable" fee for copying records.
Information about medical records for US military personnel and veterans is available at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/medical-records.html
To learn about patient access to health information and privacy laws, contact your state’s Department of Health, at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/international/relres.html
Related Questions
Return to top | Return to Reference & Consumer Health FAQs
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/services/medical_records.html
