Doctors and other health organizations keep medical records that include information about your visits, exams, test results and treatments. There are times when you may want a copy of your records such as:
- When you change doctors and want to bring your old information to your new doctor.
- When you're moving away from the area and want to bring your medical history with you.
- When you want to get another opinion about your care or follow-up on some quality concern.
How do you get a copy of your medical records?
You have a right under Maryland and federal law to obtain a copy of your medical record. You have to make a written request to your doctor stating your name, the name of the doctor that has your records and where you want the records to go.
Find out what's happening in Annapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The doctor can charge up to 76 cents per page to make the copy, plus postage and handling costs. If the records are being sent to someone other than you, the doctor can charge a “preparation fee.” You might ask about the charges when you make your request.
Maryland health professionals and organizations must keep your medical records at least five years after the date the record was made or until you are 21, whichever is longer. In practice, many health care providers keep their records longer.
Find out what's happening in Annapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If you find errors in your record, you should raise them with your doctor who should have a procedure for correcting the mistakes. You can't however, have information deleted from your record.
If you need information about your stay in a hospital or another facility, call the facility and ask for their medical records department to learn about the process. For example, here's a link to 's process for obtaining copies of medical records:
www.aahs.org/patients-visitors/medinfo.php
At , look under Frequently Asked Questions:
www.mybwmc.org/frequently-asked-questions
For additional information or help with medical records questions, call the Maryland Office of the Attorney General's Health Education and Advocacy unit at 1-877-261-8807 or visit their website:
