ByTake Control of Your Request Your Desert Regional Medical Center Medical Records With DoNotPay
Your comprise your medical history, past vaccinations, medical test results, and your demographic information. You can find terms such as "medical charts," "medical records," and "health records" used interchangeably. Those terms generally involve physical or electronic medical records. However, with the proliferation of digital technology, more medical centers are switching to electronic medical records.
Historically, primary care providers kept and maintained their patients' medical records. But a recent trend shows more patients wanting to take control of the storage and maintenance of their own medical records. With DoNotPay, you can quickly and easily take control of your .
How to Request Your Medical Records on Your Own
You may wish to from your provider for various reasons.
- If your doctor is retiring, then you need to transfer your records ASAP.
- If you wish to switch to a new doctor, you also need to transfer your records.
- Avoid duplicate procedures: sometimes you need a copy of your records available at all times to make sure you don't get unnecessary or even harmful duplicate procedures.
- Have an electronic copy of your records: you never know when you'll need your health information at your fingertips, so requesting a copy to have on hand can save you trouble in a pinch.
- Update your personal health records: your personal health record is a way that you can have personal health information on hand not only for any doctors who treat you, but also for relatives, people with the power of attorney, or anyone else who may need to make quick health decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
How to Request Your Desert Regional Medical Center Medical Records
According to the Desert Regional Medical Center "Desert Care Network" portal, you can obtain your medical records by visiting the Medical Records/Health Information Management (HIM) office at the hospital you were treated. You must provide the medical center with a medical record information release (HIPAA) form when requesting your medical records. You can either pick one up in person or download a copy from the Desert Regional Medical Center.
You can choose from three sources to download the form:
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates that certain patient information be stipulated in your release form. Additionally, it must be signed and dated before your records are released. Only you or a legal representative may sign the form and pick up the medical records. Valid identification is required when picking up your medical records.
As per California State Law, Desert Regional Medical Center may charge you per-page copy and clerical processing fees. You should allow 14 business days for your request to be processed. If you have any questions or need further information, you can contact the medical center's Health Information Management (HIM) department:
| Hospital | Phone | Fax |
| JFK Memorial Hospital | (760) 775-8044 | (760) 775-8054 |
| Desert Regional Medical Center | (760) 323-6289 | (760) 323-6201 |
| Hi-Desert Medical Center | (760) 366-6145 | (760) 366-6241 |
Lastly, if you're requesting the medical records of a relative who has passed away, you must provide an official death certificate in person. The medical records should specify the next of kin's full name as identification will need to be verified prior to the decedent's medical records being released.
Access Your Medical Records via the Electronic Health Record (EHR) System
The Desert Regional Medical Center has launched a mobile app called the "Electronic Health Record" (EHR) system. According to the Desert Regional Medical Center, the EHR system offers a few key benefits:
- Access your health information, including medications and immunizations (via secure messaging requests).
- Obtain educational information (via secure messaging requests).
- Improved management of health conditions and the ability to participate more fully in your healthcare
Requesting Your Medical Records Is Not Always Easy
However, you have to ask a given health care provider (hospital, doctor's office, etc.) to give you your records, and the process can be a bit intimidating. Hospitals and doctor's offices alike are known for slow, bureaucratic behavior, and it's not always clear whom to ask for your medical records. But remember, your records are yours—it's the law!
Even though it can take work to get access to your records, it's your right under the law to receive them, so you should not be deterred. In fact, having your medical records available to you will make you a more informed and empowered patient, and it could help you improve your health care and remain in control.
How DoNotPay Makes Getting Your Medical Records Easy
DoNotPay has seen these requests before and knows how to write your health care provider a simple, clear, and effective letter that will get your legally-guaranteed health records for you in no time. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Look up medical records on DoNotPay's website.
- Enter the name of the health care provider you'd like to receive medical records from.
- Answer a few questions about your provider and where you'd like to send the records.
And that's it! DoNotPay will send your request for medical records to your health care provider within a few days, and you should have your records received within a few weeks! DoNotPay can also help you with the following medical records issues:
- Learn about medical records
- Learn about electronic health records
- Learn about medical records release forms
- Learn about Kaiser medical records
- Learn how long medical records are kept
- Learn how to request medical records
- Learn about Mercy medical records
- Learn how to get your medical records
- Learn about Baptist medical records
- Learn about Cleveland Clinic medical records
Other Ways DoNotPay Helps Its Members
With DoNotPay, you can learn what a Health Care Directive is; learn if a Medical Power of Attorney Needs to be Notarized; learn how to Create a RI Living Will Easily, and numerous medical-related topics. You can also Appeal Parking Tickets in Any City, as well as deal with other legal issues. If you have any questions, please feel free to today.
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