What is the best way to obtain a copy of every one of your medical records?

Question

if you don't remember every doctor or dentist that you have ever been too how can you figure this out? Has anyone ever done this and what was that process like? Do you have to pay for these records and what is average?

Medical records usually are free the first time you get a copy of them they can charge, but there is no stipulated two dollars a page not on any of them.

Some of the doctors have moved and shredded records !!! So then what?

"Depending on the state that you live in, if you have psychiatric records, you might never be able to get them. Some states have laws to protect psychiatric providers in this way." Should not be called medical records since there is no medical science to make this so, you are right it is merely a way to protect the system of "crimes against humanity" like they always do.

Answer 1

This is my job, so I can give a good answer, but please note, there are a lot of variables, depending on how many doctors/hospitals you have been to and how many years it goes back.--I would have to know more about that to give you a more specific answer.
You may not be able to get records of visits that you don't remember unless the factilites are administratively connected to other facilities you have obtained records from.
Some records that are, say, more than 10 years old might be harder to get. However, many hospitals retain records permanentlly. If they are no longer on paper, it's very likely they are retained somewhere on microfilm.
It might be harder to get records from doctors offices if they are very old, because doctor's offices might not take as much trouble to keep old records in the way that hospitals do--they generally don't have as many standards to follow as hospitals in this regard.
There's no reason why you can't get your psychiatric records, unless your psychiatrist feels it is detrimental to your treatment for you to read your own records; but that's not likely to happen unless you had a very serious psychotic disorder and you are very low functionig (sometime people with psychosis might say or do things and not remember doing it--if they might get upset if they read things they think are "lies.") However, a mental health agency may have someone meet with you while you review your records in case you have any questions (that's what the agency I work for does).
You do have the right to have copies of your own medical records according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which came into effect in 2003. Records from before 2003 might be a little harder to get than from after 2003.
Typical cost for medical records would be a $15 administrative fee plus 35 cents per page--it might vary a little depending on the state and the particular agency.
The only thing I can think of is, you need to be an adult, over 18, to request your own records, and if you have been declared legally incompent, you're legal guardian will need to sign for you. If you have given your legal decision over medical matters to a someone who has power of attorney, that person wold need to sign for you (similar to guardianship).
The hospital, doctor's office, or agency might ask you to fill out a form generated by them. You may need to sign extra statements if you have history of HIV infection or drug/alcohol abuse treatment. You could either call or write to the agencies and they will probably send the form to sign and fill out.

Answer 2

You have to call EVERY ONE of your doctor's to get EVERY ONE of your medical records. If they even still have copies... Depends on how long its been since you were seen by a doc as to if they even still have them on file. Some doc will just copy your chart, and give them to you for free. I've seen some charge as little as .05 per page.... However, I've seen some charge a set fee of $25.00, with a smaller charge per page. the best option you have, depending on how far back you're looking..... Check your financial statements for records of payment made for medical services. If its within the last year or three, and you had health insurance, try looking through your explainations of benefits. Or look at your claims online through your insurance company's website. There's no easy way if you're looking for services older than a year or two; and you didn't keep your own records. Good luck.

Answer 3

I would say you have to start with the medical Records Department, in the hospital you normally would go to. If they ask why they are not going straight to a doctor, just say you are moving out of town,and don't have any doctors yet.Sometimes they charge you I'm not sure how much. Then Call your Primary Doctor, and ask for your records, Call your Dentist and again ask for your records. Make copies of everything and keep in a safe place, when you need to give a new Doctor or Dentist your records , you will still have a copy of your own. That you can also add onto.(Worked in hospital 16 years)
You also have eye doctors,& specialist.
If your doctor moved, you can try to find out who took over his practice, and get the records from them. If they stay in his office for more the 5 years, he does not have to keep them, and can through them out. (This happened to me , when my doctor retired.)

Answer 4

You can't request records if you don't know who has them. Go to each doctor or dentist that you do remember, and ask them to provide you with a copy of your records. You may have to pay a copying fee to get them, and you may have to put your request in writing. You will have to sign an authorization and a receipt saying that you received the records and relieving the doctor of any responsibility for what happens to them once they are given to you.

Answer 5

Depending on the state that you live in, if you have psychiatric records, you might never be able to get them. Some states have laws to protect psychiatric providers in this way.

Answer 6

If you don't remember they will be hard to obtain. For the ones that you do remember you need to write an authorization to release your medical records. Each doctor must receive a separate authorization and each family member must sign his/her own (unless of course its a minor and you are the legal guardian). They can charge you a nominal fee to do this (for making the copies of your chart) but if you want copies of x-rays, MRI films..etc, it can cost more.
Remember that these are your medical records and you are legally entitled to obtain copies...they DO NOT have to be sent to your current physician.

Answer 7

Hello Super Kitten,
Yes, you CAN get copies of your medical records--BUT--
according to laws, you will have to pay $2.00 for EACH page!
Ouch..!!! That gets expensive real quick!!
Still want them?? OK, go to your primary care physician, ask
for copies of all your records, pay the stipulated price, and
they're yours. If your records have 500 pages, your cost would be about $1,000.00. If you have the money, and you
really want your records, go for it.
[..the government sets the price of medical records to keep
people from collecting them just so they could harass other
doctors or clinics..] Hope this helps, Kitten.

Answer 8

Ask the United Nations Org. they may be able to help you. Can they not dig in to everyone's past, present of whatever records pertaining to anyone's whereabouts, ados,relationships, criminal records etc.? without anyone's consent? I can imagine they can also dig through anyone's medical records easily.

Answer 9

Go to your doc and ask for it, it may cost ya something to get a copy. But they should give it to you because it is information about you and you have the right to that information.

Answer 10

Well, you can't get them for yourself. You have to arrange with each doctor's office to have them sent to your current doctor. And yes, there is a charge - but that will vary. Check with the different offices.