Organizing Your Medical Records

Getting Started

It's a good idea to keep copies of your medical records. You'll need them if you change doctors, move, get sick when you're away from home, or end up in an emergency room. If any of these things happen and you have your records, you may get treatment more quickly, and it will be safer.

Here are some steps to get your medical records:

  1. Call your family doctor.

    Ask for your records, or wait until your next visit. Ask your doctor if they can help you make a personal health record. Your family doctor also may be able to help you find other places where you may have medical records, such as at a hospital.

  2. Sign a release form.

    You may need to sign one at every facility that you request records from. You also may be asked to pay for copies of your records and the time it takes to make copies. And you also may be charged for mailing fees.

  3. Be specific about the records you want.

    The hospital or doctor's office might simply copy every single item in your file and charge you for all of it. A smaller group of records might be cheaper and also easier to organize. Ask how long it will take to receive your copies.

  4. Organize your medical records.

    Once you receive your records, you may want to try different methods to organize them. Here are some ideas:

    • Use a notebook or paper filing system. Use a 3-ring binder or wire-bound notebook with dividers for each member of the family. If you get a notebook with pockets, you can keep test results and other health papers in these pockets.
    • Use your computer. Use any software program you're comfortable with, or get software specifically for personal medical records.
    • Use a secure Internet site. Your health plan or hospital may have one that you can use for free.

Next Section:

What to Keep

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.