Requests for Client Records If you are submitting a request for Medicaid records specifically, please fill out and submit the OCA-960 Authorization for Release of Health Information Pursuant to HIPAA or other HIPAA-compliant form. Requests and forms should be submitted via email to HIPAA@dss.nyc.
How you make your request will depend on your provider's processes. You may be able to request your record through your provider's patient portal. You may have to fill out a form — called a health or medical record release form, or request for access—send an email, or mail or fax a letter to your provider.
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.
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.
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.
Release of information (ROI) allows patients to release information from their medical records to authorized individuals or organizations.