Medical Records Request

Your rights (HIPAA)

• Federal law guarantees access to YOUR records.
• Provider must respond in 30 days (one 30-day extension allowed).
• Can charge a "reasonable fee" — usually $0-50 for digital, $50-200 for paper.
• Free to send to another doctor.
• You can request errors corrected (Right to Amend).
• Refusal = file complaint at HHS.gov/HIPAA — they investigate.

Easiest method — patient portals

• MyChart (Epic) — used by 60%+ of US hospitals. Free.
• FollowMyHealth — second biggest portal.
• HealtheLife / NextGen — other common portals.
• Most show: visit notes, lab results, imaging, medications, immunizations.
• Download PDF or share with another doctor with one click.

Request paper records (old providers)

1. Find provider's "Records" or "Release of Information" department.
2. Fill out HIPAA Authorization form (download from their website).
3. Specify: dates, types of records, how to send (digital, paper, fax).
4. Mail or fax form. Keep a copy.
5. Provider sends in 30 days.
6. Templates at HHS.gov/HIPAA/for-individuals/medical-records.

Combine portals into one app

• Apple Health (iPhone) — connects to most US hospital portals. View all records in one place.
• Google Health (limited) — Android partial support.
• Healow — combines multiple portals.
• MyMedicalLocker — paper-and-digital combiner.

In Apple Health: Browse → Medical Records → Add Account → search for hospital → log in.

Why bother

• New doctor sees your full history → better diagnoses.
• Avoid duplicate tests ($300-3,000 each).
• Catch errors in records (15% have errors).
• Disability + insurance applications.
• Family members can access via "proxy" if you allow.
• Medication reconciliation (avoid bad interactions).