Question:
Many of my pertinent medical records are old and possibly destroyed. What do I do?

I have a lifelong history of weight problems and dieting attempts. Also I had my gallbladder removed almost 20 years ago. My life long doctor retired about 10 years ago and the hospital where I had my surgery is no longer in business. I think these records will be helpful for both medical and insurance reasons...what can I do?    — Donna L. (posted on July 4, 2001)

July 4, 2001
You probably will not have to produce the actual medical records as long as you can reconstruct your medical history. I did not have access to any of my medical records beyond 5 years. Good luck!
   — Lisa B.

July 5, 2001
Medical records are rarely, if ever, destroyed. I would suggest that you contact whoever took over your former MD's practice; your records may still be there or in storage. As for the hospital, those records were probably transferred to another local hospital. Try to contact the medical records division of a local hospital and see what they can tell you. The county or state medical society may help also.
   — dantevolta

July 5, 2001
In pennsylvania medical records are routinely destroyed after 10 years, according to my PCP. Although hospital records are kept longer. My PCP who I have been with for over 25 years was lucky to have 12 years of pererwork on me.
   — bob-haller