How to Obtain Your Medical Records...

From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net)
Sat Aug 5 20:33:23 2000


This information is from the Houston Endometriosis Support Group web site...which may help to answer some questions, which you might have.

HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS

http://www.endohouston.org/medical.html

It's important to keep a complete copy of all your medical records, especially operative reports. If you have had a hospital stay, request records from the physician as well as the hospital. Physicians and hospitals may have their own forms for requesting medical records. Call and ask about the process; use their form if needed. If no form is needed, follow the rules outlined below to request your records in Texas.

The Medical Practice Act of Texas (MPA) specifies that "A physician shall furnish copies of medical records requested, or a summary or narrative of the records, pursuant to written consent for release of information."

Authorizations must be in writing, signed by the patient (or by legal guardian or parent if a minor), identify the information or records to be released, specify the reasons for release, and specify the persons to whom the information is to be released. This form provides all legally required information. Physicians have 30 days from receipt of release in which to supply records requested.

Physicians may charge no more than $30 for the first 10 pages and $1 per page for 11th through 60th page; 50 cents per page for 61st through 400th page, and 25 cents per page for remaining pages, plus actual costs of mailing or shipping. (A physician may charge less at his/her discretion.)

The only circumstance in which a physician may refuse to comply with a patient's valid written request for disclosure is when the physician determines that access to the information would be harmful to the patient's physical, mental, or emotional health. If the request is denied, the doctor must provide written notification stating the reasons for denial. This statement must be placed in the patient's medical record.

Further, a physician may not charge for copies if the request comes from a licensed physician for the purpose of emergency or acute care. And records cannot be withheld or denied because of an overdue balance on account.

If you do not live in the state of Texas, contact your doctor and ask what procedures you must take to obtain your records.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Medical Records: Getting Yours published by Public Citizen, $10, 1600 20th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009. This booklet provides a step-by-step procedure for obtaining your records.


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