Once your request is received, a physician or health care facility has 10 days to provide you with an opportunity to inspect your records. The law does not provide a specific time period by which copies of medical records must be provided.
Submit a request for records in person: The Department of Health's main offices are located in the Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York. Upon entering the main entrance of the building, advise Security Staff that you would like to request records.
To request a copy of a medical record from a hospital, call or write to the hospital holding the record. You must speak to the Medical Records Department and request a release of medical information authorization form from the hospital.
If you are a family member of a deceased patient, you can request information if: You have proof of the patient's permission prior to his/her death. It is relevant to your own health, and is requested by your physician. You are the executor of the estate and have included a copy of court papers.
The NYS Department of Health, however, requires medical doctors to retain records for any adult patients for 6 years. Minor patients are kept for 6 years and until one year after the minor reaches the age of 18 (whichever is longer). For hospitals, medical records must be kept for six years from the date of discharge.
Yes. For NYC Health + Hospitals Hospital records, you may call 866-390-7404.
To get a copy of your medical records, visit the Medical Correspondence Office, M - F am- pm in room AE-7 on the ground floor of the hospital building, (212) 562-3101. The above list is frequently updated, for current information please call (212) 562-3191.
To request a copy of a medical record from a physician, call or write to the physician holding the record. If the physician does not respond to this request within a timely manner, you can file a complaint with the NYS Department of Health, Office of Professional Medical Conduct for Physicians.
Check their website: Information about how to get your health record may be found under the Contact Us section of a provider's website. It may direct you to an online portal, a phone number, an email address, or a form. Phone or visit: You can also call or visit your provider and ask them how to get your health record.
Authorization. A covered entity must obtain the individual's written authorization for any use or disclosure of protected health information that is not for treatment, payment or health care operations or otherwise permitted or required by the Privacy Rule.