Question:
Are we allowed to requests copies of our medical records?

Are we allowed to "own" copies of our medical records, x-rays, MRI, etc. Can the hospital/doctor prevent you from keeping these copies for yourself? I'm asking for someone else and would appreciate any information on the legalities of your own medical information. Thank you! -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -135    — KimBo36 (posted on October 17, 2002)

October 17, 2002
I have done this several times, you need to go to the place of service,ie... hospital, go to the medical records dept. and ask for a copy of the report, such as lab results, MRI results, x-rays. all I needed was my drivers license, for proof of identy. But say your husband wanted to get them for you, he couldnt, it would have to be you personaly, and you would have to sign a release.
   — wizz46

October 17, 2002
The medical records are not "yours" so to speak. They are the property of the physician. You can request copies of them. Most of the time they will charge you a small fee for them.
   — Dawn E.

October 17, 2002
You can own copies of your medical report (surprisingly a lot of doctors charge for copies), lab test results and the reports about any x-rays you've had done. You may not however (at least not any place I've enquired) own the actual x-rays. Those belong to the place that took the films and they only "loan" them out to doctors, hospitals, etc.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 17, 2002
I work for an outpatient radiology company. We will give the results to patients at no charge if they come in and sign a release. Release and charges for medical records is governed by state laws. You paid for your procedures (via insurance or self pay) so you are intitled to them. You can also get copies of any films taken, now they will charge you for the cost of the film. NO ONE CAN REFUSE TO GIVE YOU YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS. They can charge but they can't refuse. If anyone does contact their boss, and let them know that you are LEGALLY intitled to your medical records.
   — Kristen I.

October 17, 2002
I work in a medical office in NJ. You may request a copy of your records (labs, reports, etc.) and some physicians do charge for them, but they do not have to give you a copy of their doctors notes, the stuff they write in your chart, that is consider their personal notes.
   — jerzeygirl71

October 17, 2002
In Virginia, if you are in Virginia, Virginia Code Section 8.01-413 gives you the RIGHT to a copy of your ENTIRE medical chart. The doctor cannot pick and choose what he/she gives to you. That includes all his doctors orders and physicians "notes." The do, however, also have the right to charge you for those copies. It's a $10 search fee and 50 cents a page up to 50 pages and 25 cents a page thereafter. I've dealt with this in a few other states as well and the practice seems to be pretty widely the same with the exception of the fee. I would suggest you check out your state's code at the local law library and see what it says. Maybe it's online.
   — Vicki R.

October 17, 2002
Oh, and that INCLUDES xrays. Again, they can charge you for copies but I have found that virtually every radiology department is happy to make you a copy of your xrays.
   — Vicki R.