Accessing Medical Records
Can my family see my medical records without my consent?
Your family cannot see your medical record, with two exceptions: if a person is deceased, then the right to the privacy of the medical record of that individual passes along; and if there's a court order to obtain the release of a medical record, the hospital has a responsibility to disclose those. But with those two exceptions, they cannot be shared with anybody without your written authorization.
How do I access my medical records?
You access your medical records by sending a request in writing to the hospital's medical records department, or you can stop by the medical records department and fill out a form. You need to include your name, your address, your date of birth, your social security number, and your signature; if it's specific to a particular hospitalization, you should also include the dates of the hospitalization. You also have to be specific about what information you want. You can request the entire medical record, you can request an operative report or a discharge summary, but all of that has to be done in writing.
Do I have to pay for a copy of my medical records?
Some hospitals require payment for it for accessing your medical records; some hospitals do not. Generally speaking, there is no charge for fulfilling your request to send your medical records to a physician or another health care facility. Usually there is a charge if you're requesting a copy to be sent to an attorney.
Can I access my family members' medical records?
You cannot access a family member's medical records because they have the same privacy rights that you do, unless there is a court order that states otherwise. You need to have the authorization of the individual involved unless they're judged to be incompetent by a court and you're appointed the formal guardian of the individual. Other then those exceptions, it must be done with the written permission of the individual, no differently than if it was yourself. We're all entitled to the same privacy with regards to medical records.
