How to Request Medical Records: Complete Guide to Getting Your Healthcare Information

Quick Navigation:

Your Legal Rights - If you need to understand your HIPAA rights and provider obligations
Request Methods - If you want to know the fastest way to get your records
Step-by-Step Process - If you need detailed instructions for requesting records
Troubleshooting - If you're experiencing delays, denials, or excessive fees

You need medical records. Perhaps you're switching doctors and your new provider needs your history, or seeking a second opinion about a diagnosis. Maybe you're coordinating care across multiple specialists and need to understand what each is doing. Or you simply want to keep personal copies of your own health information.

Whatever your reason, getting your medical records should be straightforward—you have a legal right to them under HIPAA. But the reality is often more complicated. Providers use different systems, charge different fees, have different timelines, and create different obstacles.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about requesting medical records: your legal rights, the most effective request methods, what to expect for costs and timelines, and how to troubleshoot when things go wrong.

Why You Might Need Your Medical Records

Medical records aren't just for doctors. There are many legitimate reasons you might need copies of your own healthcare information:

Second opinions: A specialist reviewing your case needs complete information, not just your summary of symptoms and treatments.

Switching providers: Your new doctor needs your medical history, test results, and current medications. While providers can request records directly, having your own copies speeds the process.

Coordinating multiple specialists: When you see several specialists for related conditions, each needs to know what the others are doing. For strategies on managing multiple specialists, having your own records helps you coordinate care.

Personal health tracking: Keeping copies of test results, diagnoses, and treatment plans helps you track patterns and understand your health over time.

Legal matters: Disability claims, insurance disputes, medical malpractice cases, and other legal proceedings often require medical documentation.

Moving or traveling: Having records on hand when you move or travel ensures continuity of care if you need medical attention.

Family health history: Understanding your medical history helps family members assess their own health risks.

Verifying accuracy: Reviewing your records lets you catch errors—wrong medications, incorrect diagnoses, or missing information—before they cause problems.

Your Legal Rights Under HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) gives you specific rights to access your medical records. Understanding these rights helps you recognize when providers are violating the law versus following it.

Right to Access

You have the right to inspect and obtain copies of your medical records. This includes:

Doctor visit notes
Test results and lab work
Imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
Prescription and medication records
Billing information
Immunization records
Medical histories taken by providers

The only records generally excluded are:

Psychotherapy notes (separate from mental health treatment records)
Information compiled for legal proceedings
Certain laboratory information
Information about other people (unless you're a legal representative)

Timeline Requirements

Under HIPAA, providers must respond to your request within 30 days. If they need more time, they can extend this by another 30 days, but they must notify you in writing and explain the delay.

Thirty days is the legal maximum. Many providers respond much faster, especially if you request electronic records through a patient portal. But if you're past 30 days with no response, the provider is violating HIPAA.

Fee Limitations

Providers can charge reasonable fees for copying and mailing records, but these fees must be limited to:

Cost of labor for copying (if electronic copies, only for creating and transmitting)
Cost of supplies for creating paper or electronic media
Postage if you want records mailed
Preparing an explanation or summary (only if you requested a summary instead of full records)

Providers cannot charge you for searching for or retrieving your records—that's part of their legal obligation. Many states have additional fee limits beyond federal HIPAA requirements.

Format of Records

You can request records in electronic format if the provider maintains them electronically. You can specify the format (PDF, CD, USB drive, direct download) within reason.

If you want records sent directly to another provider, the request must be free or charged at actual transmission cost only—providers cannot charge normal copying fees for provider-to-provider transfers.

Right to Deny

Providers can deny access in limited circumstances:

If disclosure would endanger you or someone else
If the information references someone else (other than a healthcare provider)
If the request is for psychotherapy notes
If the information was obtained under a promise of confidentiality

Even if denied, you have the right to request a review of the denial by a licensed healthcare professional designated by the provider.

Methods to Request Medical Records

There are several ways to request medical records. The best method depends on how quickly you need records, how much you're requesting, and what systems your provider uses.

Patient Portal Downloads (Fastest for Recent Records)

If your provider has a patient portal, this is usually the fastest method for recent records.

Advantages:

Instant access to available records
No fees for electronic download
Can download multiple times if needed
Usually includes visit notes, test results, and immunizations

Limitations:

May not include all record types (imaging often excluded)
Usually only shows recent records (last 2-3 years)
Visit notes may be delayed by provider review time
Doesn't work for records from providers without portals

How to use it: Log into your patient portal, navigate to the medical records or health information section, select the records you want, and download. For more on patient portal problems and workarounds, see our comprehensive guide.

Written Request Forms (Most Official)

Most healthcare providers have formal medical records release forms. This is the traditional method and often required for complete records.

Advantages:

Creates formal paper trail
Required for comprehensive records
Allows specific customization (date ranges, record types)
Necessary for third-party requests (family members, attorneys)

Limitations:

Slower than portal access
Usually involves fees
Requires forms, signatures, sometimes notarization

How to use it: Contact the provider's medical records department, request the release form (often available on their website), complete all fields carefully, include ID copy, specify exactly what you want, and submit by mail, fax, or in person.

Phone or Email Requests (Good for Simple Requests)

Some providers accept informal requests by phone or email, particularly for limited records.

Advantages:

Quick to initiate
Can ask questions about the process
May work for simple requests (single test result, vaccination record)

Limitations:

Not all providers accept informal requests
Usually followed by formal form requirement anyway
Harder to document if there are later disputes

How to use it: Call the medical records department, describe what you need, ask about their process. They'll likely send you a form to complete, but this gets the ball rolling.

In-Person Requests (Fastest When Allowed)

Showing up in person can work for immediate needs, though many providers require advance request.

Advantages:

Can sometimes walk away with records same day
Can review records on-site before copying
Can clarify questions immediately

Limitations:

Not always accepted for same-day processing
Still requires completed forms and ID
May involve waiting while records are prepared

How to use it: Call first to ask if in-person requests are accepted. If yes, bring completed release form, government ID, and payment method. Some facilities let you wait while they prepare records; others will still require you to return later.

Third-Party Authorization (For Representatives)

If you're requesting records on behalf of someone else (child, elderly parent, deceased family member), you need proper authorization.

Requirements:

Completed release form signed by the patient (or legal representative)
Copy of your ID
Proof of authority (power of attorney, guardianship papers, death certificate, etc.)
Specific authorization for what records you can access

For more on privacy considerations when managing someone else's healthcare, see our guide for family caregivers.

What to Request

Knowing exactly what to request helps you get complete information without unnecessary delays or costs.

Complete Medical Record vs. Specific Items

Complete medical record includes everything: all visit notes, test results, imaging reports, medication lists, immunizations, billing, etc. Request this when:

Switching to a new primary care provider
Seeking comprehensive second opinion
Involved in legal matters requiring full documentation
Establishing care with multiple new specialists

Specific items limits the request to particular records. Request specific items when:

You only need recent test results
You want imaging from a specific procedure
You need vaccination records for school/work
You're tracking specific conditions over time

Common Record Types

Visit notes (also called progress notes or clinical notes): Document what happened during each appointment—symptoms, exam findings, assessment, plan.

Test results: Lab work (blood tests, urinalysis), imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds), diagnostic tests (EKGs, stress tests, colonoscopies).

Medication records: Current prescriptions, past medications, dosage changes, adverse reactions, pharmacy information.

Immunization records: Dates and types of all vaccinations received. Often needed for school, work, or travel.

Procedure records: Operative reports for surgeries, procedure notes for endoscopies or biopsies, pathology reports.

Billing records: Itemized bills, insurance claims, payment history. Useful for disputing charges or tracking insurance coverage.

Correspondence: Letters between providers, referral notes, consultation reports. Important for understanding coordination of care.

How Far Back to Request

The answer depends on your needs:

Last 2-3 years: Usually sufficient for ongoing care with new provider, covers recent test trends and current treatment.

Last 5-10 years: Better for chronic conditions, gives fuller picture of disease progression and treatment history.

Complete history: Necessary for legal matters, helps establish long-term patterns, useful for complex multi-system conditions.

Consider that older records may be harder to obtain (especially from practices that have closed or converted to electronic systems partway through). Balance completeness against practicality.

The Request Process Step-by-Step

Here's exactly how to request medical records, from start to finish.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Contact

Medical records requests go to the provider's medical records department or health information management (HIM) department, not to your doctor's office directly.

For individual doctors: Call the main office number, ask for medical records department. In small practices, this might be the office manager.

For hospitals: Look on the hospital website for "medical records" or "health information." Hospitals typically have dedicated departments that handle all record requests.

For large health systems: Each hospital or clinic in the system may have separate records departments, or there may be a centralized department for the entire system.

For closed practices: If a practice has closed, records may have been transferred to another provider, stored with a medical records company, or sent to the state health department. Call your state's medical board for guidance on finding records from closed practices.

Step 2: Obtain and Complete the Release Form

Most providers require their specific release form (though legally they must accept reasonable alternatives).

Find the form: Check the provider's website under "medical records" or "patient forms." If not online, call and ask them to mail or email it.

Complete all fields carefully:

Your full legal name (as it appears in medical records)
Date of birth
Address where records should be sent
Phone number
Patient account number or medical record number (if known)
Specific records requested (date ranges, types)
Purpose of request (usually "personal use" or "continuing care")
Signature and date
Second signature if form requires witness

Common mistakes to avoid:

Using a nickname instead of legal name
Forgetting to date the signature
Not specifying date range (gets you more records than needed)
Missing required ID copy
Old address

Step 3: Provide Identification

Most requests require a copy of government-issued photo ID to verify your identity:

Driver's license
Passport
State ID card
Military ID

Attach a photocopy—don't send your original ID. Make sure the copy is legible.

Step 4: Specify Delivery Method

You'll need to indicate how you want records delivered:

Electronic delivery (if available):

Email (check if provider supports secure email)
Patient portal access
CD or USB drive mailed to you
Direct download link

Paper delivery:

Mail to your address
Pick up in person
Fax (usually for provider-to-provider)

Direct provider transfer:

If you want records sent to another doctor, include that provider's name, address, fax number

Electronic is usually faster and cheaper, but some records (like imaging) may need to be on physical media.

Step 5: Submit the Request

Follow the provider's preferred submission method:

Mail: Send completed form, ID copy, and payment (if required upfront) to medical records address
Fax: Fax form and ID to medical records fax number (not the clinical fax)
Email: Use secure portal email if available; regular email may not be accepted for privacy reasons
In person: Deliver to medical records department

Get confirmation: Ask for a confirmation number or receipt. This is your proof the request was submitted and starts the 30-day HIPAA clock.

Step 6: Follow Up

If you haven't heard anything in 10-14 days, follow up:

Call the medical records department
Reference your request date and confirmation number
Ask about the status and estimated completion date
Document who you spoke with and what they said

If 30 days pass without response or explanation, the provider is violating HIPAA. You can file a complaint (see Troubleshooting section).

Costs and Timelines

Understanding typical costs and timelines helps you plan and recognize when fees or delays are excessive.

Typical Fees

Fees vary by state (many states have specific limits) and by provider, but here are general ranges:

Retrieval/processing fee: $0-$25 (one-time charge regardless of record size)

Per-page copying: $0.50-$1.00 per page for paper copies

Electronic records: $0-$10 (federal law limits electronic copy fees to labor and media costs)

CD or USB drive: $5-$15 for the media

Postage: Actual postage cost (typically $5-$15 depending on record size)

Certified copies: Additional $5-$10 per document for certified/notarized copies (usually only needed for legal purposes)

Example total costs:

Electronic portal download: $0
Electronic records on CD, mailed: $10-$20
100-page paper records, mailed: $60-$125
Complete paper record (500+ pages): $250-$400

State-Specific Fee Limits

Many states cap medical records fees below federal HIPAA limits, and these vary significantly by state. Limits vary by state — verify current fee schedules with your state health department before disputing fees, as statutory fee caps change frequently through legislation. Check your state health department's official website for the most current fee schedules.

When Records Should Be Free

Providers must waive or reduce fees for:

Provider-to-provider transfers (must charge only actual transmission cost)
Records needed for appeals or grievances against the provider
Records for patients who demonstrate financial hardship (provider's discretion)

Some states require free records in additional circumstances (disability claims, public health purposes).

Timeline Expectations

Patient portal downloads: Immediate to 7 days (if notes need provider review)

Simple requests (recent records, electronic): 3-10 business days

Standard requests (paper, multiple years): 2-4 weeks

Complex requests (complete records, multiple locations): 3-4 weeks

Legal maximum: 30 days, with possible 30-day extension if justified

If you need records urgently (for upcoming appointment, time-sensitive legal deadline), tell the records department when you submit the request. Some providers offer expedited processing for additional fees.

Challenging Excessive Fees

If fees seem unreasonable:

Ask for an itemized breakdown of charges
Compare to your state's fee limits
Request a fee waiver if you're facing financial hardship
File a complaint with your state attorney general or health department if fees violate state law
File a HIPAA complaint with HHS Office for Civil Rights if fees are excessive under federal law

Format and Delivery Options

How you receive records affects usability, cost, and how quickly you get them.

Electronic Formats

PDF download (most common):

Easy to view on any device
Can be printed if needed
Takes up minimal storage space
Easy to email or share
Can be organized with other documents

Patient portal access:

No delivery wait
Can view repeatedly
Usually free
Limited to what portal includes
Requires portal login

CD or DVD:

Good for imaging (X-rays, MRIs)
Can include interactive viewers
Physical backup
Requires optical drive to view
Can be lost or damaged

USB drive:

Similar to CD but more versatile
Easier to view on modern computers
Can add other files
More expensive than CD

Direct electronic transmission:

Provider sends directly to your new doctor
Usually secure encrypted method
Fastest for provider-to-provider
You don't get a personal copy

Paper Formats

Printed and mailed:

Most expensive option
Bulky for large records
Can deteriorate over time
Hard to share with multiple providers
May be necessary if you need certified copies

In-person pickup:

Saves postage costs
Get records immediately when ready
May require return visit
Requires trip to facility

Pros and Cons by Format

Electronic wins for:

Speed
Cost
Portability
Easy sharing
Storage space

Paper wins for:

Legal proceedings (certified copies)
Providers who don't accept electronic records
Personal preference for physical documents
No technology barriers

Best practice: Request electronic when possible, but ask for paper if you need official certified copies for legal use or if your new provider specifically requires paper records.

Special Situations

Some record requests involve complications beyond standard procedures.

Requesting Records for Deceased Family Members

You can request medical records of deceased family members if you're:

Personal representative of the estate (executor/administrator)
Next of kin or involved in the deceased's care (varies by state)
Authorized under state law

Requirements:

Death certificate
Proof of authority (letters of administration, will, family relationship documentation)
Completed release form explaining relationship
Valid ID

Limitations: Some states limit what family members can access versus what estate representatives can access. Mental health and substance abuse records may have extra restrictions.

Mental Health Records

Mental health treatment records (different from psychotherapy notes) are included in standard medical records, but some states provide extra privacy protections:

May require separate authorization
Provider may review before releasing to ensure no harm
Minors' mental health records may have special rules

Psychotherapy notes (therapist's personal notes, not treatment records) are specifically excluded from standard records access and require separate authorization.

Substance Abuse Treatment Records

Federal law (42 CFR Part 2) provides special protection for substance abuse treatment records beyond HIPAA for federally-assisted programs:

Requires specific written consent
Consent must detail what information, to whom, for what purpose
Cannot be released even with general medical records authorization
Applies to federally-assisted programs

This is a complex area of law that has been revised multiple times. Consult with the treatment facility about what specific protections apply to their records, as rules vary by program type and funding.

If you're requesting complete records and had substance abuse treatment, you'll need to complete an additional authorization specifically for those records.

Records from Closed Practices

When a medical practice closes:

Records may transfer to another provider who takes over patients
Records may go to a medical records storage company
Records may be sent to state health department
Practice should notify patients of where records went

How to find them:

Check if the practice sent a letter when closing (listing where records were transferred)
Call your state medical board—they may have information on closed practices
Contact your insurance company—they may know which provider took over
Search for the doctor's name to see if they joined another practice
Contact your state health department records division

Be aware that closed practices may charge higher fees or have longer processing times since active records management has ended.

Hospital vs. Individual Provider Records

When you receive treatment at a hospital, records are maintained by both:

The hospital itself (emergency department, lab, imaging, nursing notes)
Individual physicians (attending doctors, consultants, specialists)

For complete hospital stay records, you may need to request from:

Hospital medical records department (for facility records)
Each consulting physician group separately (for doctor notes)

Some hospitals include all provider notes in their records system; others keep them separate. Ask the hospital records department what's included in their copy.

Records from Multiple Locations

If you've seen a provider at multiple locations (different offices, affiliated hospitals), each location may maintain separate records or they may use a unified system.

Unified electronic records: Large health systems often have one records system across all locations. One request gets everything.

Separate locations: Independent offices or older systems may keep separate records per location. You'll need to request from each separately.

Ask the records department if your request covers all locations where you've been treated or if you need separate requests for each.

What to Do When You Receive Records

Getting your records is just the start—you need to review and manage them effectively.

Reviewing for Completeness

When records arrive, check immediately:

Date range: Does it cover the timeframe you requested?
Record types: Did you get visit notes, test results, imaging reports—everything you asked for?
Missing visits: Compare to your own records or calendar. Are all appointments included?
Attachments: Are referenced test results and imaging reports actually attached?
Readability: Can you read handwritten notes? Are copies clear?

If something's missing, contact the records department immediately with specifics: "I requested records from 2020-2024 but only received 2022-2024" or "My request included imaging reports but they're not in this package."

Organizing and Storing Records

Electronic records:

Create a clear folder structure (by provider, by year, by condition)
Use descriptive file names with dates: "Smith_Cardiology_Visit_2024-03-15.pdf"
Keep backups (cloud storage, external drive, both)
Consider password-protecting sensitive records
Keep organized alongside your appointment tracking system

Paper records:

Use a three-ring binder with dividers by provider or date
File chronologically within each section
Keep in a secure location
Make copies before giving original to another provider
Scan important documents as electronic backup

When sharing records with a new doctor:

Before appointment:

Ask if they want records sent in advance (many prefer this)
Ask preferred method (fax, portal upload, bring to appointment)
Send or deliver 1-2 weeks before first appointment if possible

At appointment:

Bring a copy (electronic or paper) as backup
Highlight most relevant sections for this visit
Be prepared to summarize key points verbally
Don't assume the doctor has read everything before the appointment

After appointment:

Confirm the new provider received records
Ask if they need anything additional
Update your own records with notes from this visit

Spotting Errors and Requesting Corrections

Medical records errors are common:

Wrong medications or dosages
Incorrect allergies
Wrong family history
Mistaken diagnoses
Mixed up test results

When you spot an error:

Document the error specifically (what's wrong, what should be correct)
Contact the provider's medical records department or patient portal
Request an amendment under HIPAA right to amend
Provide supporting documentation if available
If provider refuses to correct, you can request a statement of disagreement be added to your record

Important: Providers can refuse to correct records if they believe the information is accurate, but they must add your disagreement to the file and include it with future disclosures of that record.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with legal rights, record requests can hit snags. Here's how to handle common issues.

Delays Beyond 30 Days

If 30 days pass without receiving records or explanation:

Step 1: Contact the records department

Reference your request date and confirmation number
Ask for status update and expected completion date
Ask if there's a problem or missing information
Document this conversation (date, who you spoke with, what they said)

Step 2: Send written follow-up (if no response)

Send letter or email stating: request date, that 30 days have passed, HIPAA entitlement to records, request immediate action
Keep copy of this communication

Step 3: File HIPAA complaint (if still no response)

File online with HHS Office for Civil Rights
Include: dates, documentation, explanation of violation
OCR reviews complaints and determines whether investigation is warranted
Many complaints are resolved through provider's corrective action
OCR focuses on systemic violations and may not pursue individual cases if the provider corrects the issue promptly

Denied Requests

If your request is denied:

Understand why: Providers must explain denials in writing. Reasons might be:

Records don't exist (you weren't actually treated there)
Request is for excluded information (psychotherapy notes)
Endangerment concern (rarely used)
Form incomplete or unsigned

For incomplete forms: Resubmit with corrections

For substantive denials:

You have right to request review by another healthcare professional designated by provider
Request this review in writing
If review upholds denial, you can file HIPAA complaint with OCR

Most denials are improper: HIPAA gives broad access rights. If you think a denial is unjustified, pursue review and complaint.

Excessive Fees

If fees seem excessive:

Step 1: Request itemized fee breakdown showing specific charges (retrieval, copying per page, media, postage)

Step 2: Compare to your state fee limits (look up "[your state] medical records fees")

Step 3: If fees exceed state limits:

Point this out in writing to records department
Reference specific state law
Request fee reduction to legal limits

Step 4: If fees are within state limits but still seem excessive:

Request fee waiver based on financial hardship (if applicable)
File complaint with state attorney general consumer protection division
File HIPAA complaint if federal limits are exceeded

Step 5: Consider alternatives:

Request electronic copies (usually cheaper)
Request provider send directly to new doctor (must be free or minimal cost)
Access through patient portal if available (free)

Incomplete Records

If records are missing information you requested:

Step 1: Be specific about what's missing

Compare what you got to what you asked for
List specific visit dates, tests, or procedures not included
Reference your original request

Step 2: Contact records department with specifics

"I requested all visit notes 2020-2024 but only received 2022-2024"
"My request included MRI report from 6/15/2023 but it's not here"
Ask if additional fee required for the missing items

Step 3: If records genuinely don't exist:

Ask if they were maintained elsewhere (different office, closed practice)
Ask if they were destroyed (records retention policies vary)
Request written confirmation of what doesn't exist

Step 4: If records should exist but aren't provided:

Resubmit formal request specifically for missing items
Document the incomplete response
Consider HIPAA complaint if provider is being uncooperative

Provider Claims Records Don't Exist

If provider says they have no record of treating you:

Verify you're contacting correct provider:

Check old bills, insurance EOBs, or appointment confirmations for exact provider name
Practices change names, merge, or split
Individual doctors move between practice groups

Provide more information:

Include dates of treatment
Names of doctors you saw
Types of treatment received
Any patient or account numbers you have

Check if practice closed or merged:

Records may have transferred to a different entity
Contact state medical board for information on closed practices

If you're certain they treated you but they deny it:

Gather evidence (billing statements, insurance claims, prescription bottles from that provider)
Send formal request with supporting documentation
Consider complaint if they're clearly being obstructive

Filing Complaints

When providers violate HIPAA rights:

HHS Office for Civil Rights (Federal HIPAA Complaints):

File a complaint with HHS Office for Civil Rights
For violations of: 30-day deadline, improper denials, excessive fees, failure to provide access
OCR investigates and can impose fines
File within 180 days of when you knew about the violation

State Attorney General or Health Department:

For violations of state fee limits
For general consumer protection issues
Complaints often resolve faster than federal process

State Medical Board:

For unprofessional conduct by individual doctors
Less effective for administrative records issues
Better for clinical care complaints

Include in your complaint:

Timeline of events with dates
Copies of your requests
Provider responses (or lack thereof)
Explanation of which rights were violated
What you're requesting as resolution

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get medical records? Under HIPAA, providers must respond within 30 days, with possible 30-day extension if needed. In practice, electronic records often arrive in 3-10 days, while comprehensive paper records may take 2-4 weeks. Patient portal downloads can be immediate.

How much does it cost to get copies of medical records? Costs vary by state and provider. Electronic portal downloads are often free. Paper records typically cost $0.50-$1.00 per page plus a processing fee of $10-$25 and postage. Complete records can run $50-$400 depending on size. Many states cap fees below these amounts.

Can I request medical records for a family member? For minor children, parents/guardians can request records. For adults, you need written authorization from the patient or legal authority (power of attorney, guardianship). For deceased family members, you need proof of authority (executor status, death certificate, family relationship).

What if my doctor retired or the practice closed? Records may have transferred to another provider, gone to a medical records storage company, or been sent to your state health department. Contact your state medical board for guidance on locating records from closed practices. The practice should have notified patients where records were transferred.

Can I get medical records from 20 years ago? It depends on record retention requirements in your state and whether records still exist. Many states require providers to keep records for 7-10 years after last treatment. Older records may have been destroyed legally or may be hard to access if maintained only on paper in older practices.

Do I have to explain why I want my medical records? No. Under HIPAA, you have a right to your records without needing to justify or explain why you want them. Most forms ask for "purpose" but "personal use" is sufficient. Providers cannot deny access based on your stated purpose.

What if my medical records contain errors? You have a HIPAA right to request amendments to your records. Submit a written request explaining the error and what should be corrected. If the provider refuses, they must add your statement of disagreement to the record and include it with future disclosures.

Can I get my medical records sent directly to another doctor? Yes, and this is often free or low-cost. Provider-to-provider transfers cannot be charged standard copying fees under HIPAA—only actual transmission costs. Include the receiving provider's name, address, and fax number in your request.

How do I get imaging like X-rays or MRIs? Imaging reports (the radiologist's written interpretation) are included in standard records. Actual images (the films or digital files) require separate request, usually provided on CD or DVD. There may be additional fees for the media and for burning the images.

What if I need records urgently for an upcoming appointment? Tell the records department when you submit the request that you have an urgent need. Some providers offer expedited processing for additional fees. Alternatively, access recent records through patient portal if available, or have providers request records directly from each other.

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Quick Navigation:

Your Legal Rights - If you need to understand your HIPAA rights and provider obligations
Request Methods - If you want to know the fastest way to get your records
Step-by-Step Process - If you need detailed instructions for requesting records
Troubleshooting - If you're experiencing delays, denials, or excessive fees