MEDICAL RECORDS

This section is provided so that you may keep all of your medical records, including Test Results and Medical Reports, together in one place. Doctors often request such information; therefore it will be quite useful to have these on hand when you are meeting with your doctors.
Why keeping copies of important records are important:

• Records provide you with important information to share with other doctors
• Accurate records help if you need a second opinion
• Sometimes records are lost or put in storage at hospitals, making it difficult or impossible to find later on

The easiest way to get your records:

• Request a copy from your doctor when discussing results of tests
• Ask for copies of your diagnostic test results (i.e. MRI,CT, PET) at the time they are taken
  • These results are often available on CD's

Retrieving past treatment records:

• Call the medical records department of the treating institution and request that they fax or mail to you a "Release of Medical Records" form
• Keep track of the dates, times, and people with whom you speak
  • Corresponding with the same person will make things easier
• It often takes several calls to get records, but persist until you succeed
• If you encounter problems, ask to speak to the medical records librarian as this person can be helpful in searching for your records more quickly
• You can also ask a friend or family member to help you by signing a release form allowing them to act on your behalf

To learn about local laws regarding your rights to your own medical records, you may call the Health Privacy Project at (202) 687-0880 or visit their website at www.healthprivacy.org and click on "State Law."

• Remember to request 3 copies of all records!
  • This will enable you to provide one for your doctor, another in case you seek a second opinion, and one to keep for your own records

Tips:

• Keep your hospital discharge papers in this section!
• Keep copies of all your prescriptions in this section!
• Add a pocket folder to this section if you find that you have an overflow of documents!
• If you fax your records over to a doctor's office, remember to call to confirm receipt!