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.
Federal laws govern the privacy protection of medical records, along with some state laws. California medical records laws state that a patient's information may not be disclosed without authorization unless it is pursuant to a court order, or for purposes of communicating important medical data to other health care ...
(a) Patients may authorize the release of their health care information by completing the CDCR 7385, Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information , to allow a family member or friend to request and receive an update when there is a significant change in the patient 's health care condition.
The patient may enter a date range of information to be shared. If no expiration date is specified, this authorization is good for 12 months from the date signed in Section IX.
All health records of discharged patients shall be completed and filed within 30 days after discharge date and such records shall be kept for a minimum of 7 years, except for minors whose records shall be kept at least until 1 year after the minor has reached the age of 18 years, but in no case less than 7 years.
Upon death, the authority to obtain medical records is transferred to the patient's “personal representative.” Federal law states that a person must be treated as a personal representative when “under applicable law an executor, administrator or other person has authority to act on behalf of a deceased individual or of ...
All health records of discharged patients shall be completed and filed within 30 days after discharge date and such records shall be kept for a minimum of 7 years, except for minors whose records shall be kept at least until 1 year after the minor has reached the age of 18 years, but in no case less than 7 years.
As long as you requested your medical records in writing, to be sent directly to you (and not to anyone else, like your new doctor), the physician is required to send you a copy within specified time limits. If you are having difficulty getting your records, you can file a complaint with the Medical Board.