Request Your Mayo Clinic Medical Records With DoNotPay
Not only is it smart to review your , but it's also your right to do so. It allows you to ask your doctor about the test result and prescription and update any information vital to making sure you receive the best care possible. Historically, primary care providers were the ones that kept and maintained patients' medical records. However, in recent years, with growing security concerns, a growing trend has shown more patients taking responsibility for keeping and maintaining their medical records.
Unless your healthcare provider offers access to electronic medical records (EMR), you will have to request copies of your medical records on your own. In April 2018, the Mayo Clinic implemented an EMR system using healthcare software developed by Epic Systems Corporation. Steve Peters, M.D. said in a statement that having one integrated system for patients to access Mayo Clinic medical records builds on its foundation of putting the needs of patients first.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act
According to the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act (HIPAA) of 1996, patients possess the right to get copies of most medical records. This rule applies whether those medical records are maintained on paper or electronically. These include copies of billing information, healthcare provider's notes, lab reports, and medical test results. While HIPAA is designed to protect your privacy, its regulations are so comprehensive that many healthcare providers find them confusing.
Due to this confusion, providers might have a hard time knowing exactly how or what should be enforced. As a result, it can be difficult for some patients to obtain their medical records, even if they're completely authorized to have them. According to HIPAA, you have the right to request your under the following circumstances:
- Medical records and billing records about individuals maintained by or for a covered health care provider.
- Enrollment, payment, claims adjudication, and case or medical management record systems maintained by or for a health plan.
- Other records are used, in whole or in part, by or for the covered entity to make decisions about individuals. This last category includes records used to make decisions about any individuals, whether or not the records have been used to decide on the particular individual requesting access.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) further states that two categories of information are expressly excluded from the right of access:
- Psychotherapy notes, which are the personal notes of a mental health care provider documenting or analyzing the contents of a counseling session, are maintained separately from the rest of the patient's medical record. See 45 CFR 164.524(a)(1)(i) and 164.501.
- Information compiled in reasonable anticipation of, or for use in, a civil, criminal, or administrative action or proceeding. See 45 CFR 164.524(a)(1)(ii).
How to Request Your Medical Records on Your Own
You may wish to request your medical records from your provider for various reasons.
- If your doctor is retiring, 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 health records: your 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.
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.
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. 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.
- 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:
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