The Guide to Getting & Using Your Health Records
You have a right to your health records — and it can help you take control of your health, well-being, and safety. The purpose of the Guide to Getting & Using Your Health Records is to help patients understand how to get, check, and use their electronic health information. This guide also supports caregivers, those serving as a health care proxy for a minor child or an elderly parent.
How to Access Your Health Records
Your health records (also known as a medical records) is a written account of your health history. It includes information about medications, treatments, tests, immunizations, and notes from health care provider visits.
Most hospitals and other large healthcare providers keep patient data in computerized systems called electronic health records (EHRs), which make it easier for providers to find information to support your health needs and share information with you.
Having Your Health Records Make it Easier to Share, Coordinate, Verify, Connect, and Confirm
This guide won’t provide you with your health record itself, but instead will teach you how to request it from your healthcare provider.
You Have a Right to Your Health Record
A federal law called the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule gives you the right to see and get a copy of your health record. Health plans and most providers — including most doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, labs, and nursing homes — must follow this law.
Yet it can be a real challenge to get your health record if you’ve seen providers in different places. Each one may require you to follow a different process when asking for your health record.
