How to Get My Medical Records Online for Free?

How to Get My Medical Records Online for Free – Overview

Every person has their own medical history. Medical records or medical history is a record of information about your health. It contains detailed information so the doctors can guide you to receive appropriate care.

With your medical record, doctors can identify all the medical problems like allergies, surgeries, medications, vaccinations, and previous illnesses.

Medical records are a very important component of your life. You have every right to access the information in your medical record and make corrections or updates if required. Insurance companies and healthcare providers can share all the information in your medical records.

How to Request Your Medical Records Online?

Most medical facilities require you to fill out a form to obtain your medical records. You can collect this form via email or from their office. If they do not have a form, you can always write an email to make your request. You must include specific details in your email.

• Your name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• Social security number
• The list of records you want
• The dates of service
• Delive options (you can choose between email, in person, fax, or post)
• Your signature

You have to wait until after making the request. It will take some time to receive the records. The delivery time may vary, but it takes 30 to 60 days to receive the record.

You can always contact the state’s department of health with a copy of your original request in case you don’t receive your record after repeated attempts.

Previously, your primary care providers were eligible to keep and maintain your medical record. Now, patients can take full responsibility for maintaining their medical records. However,  you have to follow the steps and request your copies. Only people who are in the healthcare system can access their electronic medical records or EMRs.

4 Ways to Access Your Medical Record

Your medical records enable you to double-check any incorrect or missing test results and add any additional information required for your care. There are various procedures you can take to obtain your medical records.

1. Patient Portal

Every hospital offers medical records online through its official website. You can always request your medical record through their patient portal and get it straight from the provider. Moreover, you can access your health records from the patient portal anywhere, anytime, with a stable internet connection.

Your health record in the patient portal includes the following:

• Lab results
• Recent doctor visit
• Medication lists
• Allergies
• Discharge summaries
• Immunization

Patients can view their recent lab results directly from the lab. If you have an account on their patient portal, you just need to log in to view your medical history, lab results, or medication lists.

2. Online Form

In most hospitals, you must complete a form to review your medical records. You can collect these forms from the office. You can receive it via email, postal mail, or fax. If your hospital does not have any forms, you can always write a letter or email requesting your medical history. You have to wait for 30 to 60 days after requesting the records.

You may have to pay a convenience fee to receive your record on paper via fax, postal service, or other electronic media. You can make the payment via your debit card or credit card.

3. Health Apps

You can use multiple other websites or applications to receive your medical records along with any patient portal. These applications can help you to keep your records up-to-date. iPhones and iPads have their own app named the Apple Health app to organize and access all your health information.

Writing a Letter Can Also Be a Way to Request Your Medical Records

You can also write a letter to request your health records. You must be clear, formal, and straightforward while writing the letter. Include details like your full name, date of birth, address and contact details, social security number, a list of the records you want, and your preferred delivery option.

Why Should You Request Your Health Records?

Your health records or medical history can keep you up-to-date about your health condition. It can keep track of your healthcare and your current health condition. There are three main benefits of health records.

1. Save Your Time

When you have your detailed healthcare history and all your test results, you do not have to perform similar tests multiple times. Your doctors will be able to access and track your condition easily. It will save a lot of your time and your money.

2. Medical Emergencies

In case of any medical emergency, your health record can help your doctors to gain insight. They can understand your medicines, medical history, and past illnesses.

Your medical records will also include information about your health practices, allergies, and test results. It will assist them in making quick decisions to deal with the situation and improve their health.

3. Healthcare Decisions

With all your medical details and history, you can make important decisions about your healthcare. You can always cross-check and correct any report errors and understand yourself better.

Conclusion

Getting your medical records is not that complicated. There are multiple ways to receive one. You can use the patient portal, official websites, and healthcare apps to receive your medical records. Healthcare records are essential to make your health journey easier.

It can help you to understand your health conditions and take the necessary steps. In addition, you do not have to repeat the same tests if you have all your test results in one place.

See Also

HIPAA Medical Records Release Laws

How Long Do Doctors Keep Medical Records?

Riverside Medical Group

Self Prescription Laws