Jun 08
Im interested in reviewing my medical records for when i was in the hospital for reasons of my diagnoses, notes they kept of me, symptoms i showed my reactions to things, just everything from when i was in. I know i would have to call the hospital but would i have to go in person to sign for them? What exactly do i ask for?
Someone told me in my other post about the same question, that psychiatric records are way different to try getting than a regular medical record. Is this true and if so, why?
Call the hospital and request a copy of yourr records. Yes you will have to pick them up
You just need to call them and request a copy of your complete medical file (or records) while you were under the services of their facility. You might ask if you need to individually contact each physician that worked with you… Sometimes they require the request in writing, or they require that you come personally (with I.D.) to sign for your records, and don’t be surprised if they ask you to pay for a copy of your records. Unfortunately, a lot of facilities and private practices request a fee for the release of your records. Good luck!
You will more than likely have to go in person (medical records are highly sensitive documents) and show your I.D. As for what to ask for, every hospital I know of has a Medical Records department (or words to that effect). Be prepared to give dates and times of your inpatient treatment, and also be aware that some states permit a fee to be charged for retrieving the records. Hope that helps.
I could be wrong about this, but I THINK that they also do not have to release any psychotherapy notes they may have made. I think that you have the right to have access to the rest of your medical records though.
edit: Psychotherapy notes are granted special protection under HIPPA: http://www.judyroberts.net/Psychotherapy_Notes.htm