The short answer is most likely five to ten years after a patient's last treatment, last discharge or death. That being said, laws vary by state, and the minimum amount of time records are kept isn't uniform across the board.
Who can see my medical records? Anyone authorised to see your medical records has a legal, ethical and contractual duty to protect your privacy and confidentiality.
If the patient wrote a personal letter requesting records, make sure the following patient information was in the original request:Date of birth.Name.Social Security number.Contact information (address and phone number)Email address.Dates of service and specific records requested (tests, discharge notes, etc.)More items...
What information should be included in a patient's medical records?The initial health history and physical examination from the doctor.Consultation reports from specialists, as well as any notes.Operative reports / Medical procedure reports.More items...?
Submitting Requests for RecordsIf you are a patient or legal representative, your request can be faxed to Release of Information at 302-320-4692.If you are a healthcare provider, your requests can be faxed to 302-320-4859.If you are an attorney your requests can be faxed to 302-623-1431.
The subject line of your request should be "FOIL Request". Please inform me of the cost of providing paper copies of the following records include as much detail about the records as possible, including relevant dates, names, descriptions, etc..
Most practices or facilities will ask you to fill out a form to request your medical records. This request form can usually be collected at the office or delivered by fax, postal service, or email. If the office doesn't have a form, you can write a letter to make your request.
How to Request Your Medical Records. Most practices or facilities will ask you to fill out a form to request your medical records. This request form can usually be collected at the office or delivered by fax, postal service, or email. If the office doesn't have a form, you can write a letter to make your request.
For example, doctors in Delaware must keep your medical record at least 7 years after the last entry date on your medical record. Hospitals that accept Medicare payments generally must keep medical records at least 5 years. In practice, many health care providers keep their medical records longer.