Having access to your complete medical history helps you stay updated with your health. Moreover, it allows you to clear any queries you might have regarding your wellbeing with your healthcare providers.
In case there are any missing or incorrect records, you can get them rectified immediately. Generally, medical records are maintained by healthcare providers. However, in recent years, people have started keeping their medical records themselves.
Now you might wonder, can I look up my medical records? The answer is most definitely yes.
You can easily access all your medical documents. Unfortunately, the process isn’t as straightforward as you’d like.
Before we get to how you can access your medical history, let’s first understand the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.
Despite having the right to access your past records and medical history, the stringent regulations set by HIPAA have made obtaining them a challenge. As per the guidelines, only patients or their guardians have the right to request medical documents. Moreover, any caregiver or advocate with written permission from the patient may also access the records.
As per the law, there are some medical records to which access may be denied. For instance, any medical history that might be of significance in an ongoing lawsuit is not provided to patients. Additionally, psychotherapy notes are also denied in most cases.
On the other hand, you may access any past diagnosis, X-rays, blood tests, biopsy reports, etc.
Despite the stringent HIPAA regulations, you can still request your medical records. However, the process is time-consuming and can take up to 60 days. Initially, you must fill out a request form that can be obtained from your healthcare facility.
Some providers may not have the form readily available, so you might have to write a letter to request medical records.
Once the request has proceeded via form or letter, you have to wait two months to receive the documents. However, providers may often fail to deliver the documents during this time. In this case, you will have to contact the Department of Health of your respective state. Plus, you might have to pay a fee to obtain the documents.
As you can probably tell, accessing your medical records can be a tedious and time-consuming process. But with ChartSquad, you can access your records from any US-based treatment provider without any hassle, risks, or wasted time. Our services are fast, smooth, and affordable.