One of the most helpful first steps in navigating medicine is to obtain your medical records. This is especially important if you are seeking advice from consultants, changing medical care, moving, experiencing a medical dilemma, or simply summarizing your medical history.
There are many pre-printed forms which you can obtain from one clinic, sign, and then have those medical records transferred to another clinic. Privacy laws require your signed permission to release your records
However, one improved step in navigating medicine is to request that your medical records be released to YOU! With medical records in hand, one can review the data for accuracy, summarize them, and highlight key concerns. Hand carrying your records (especially summarized) often is the most effective method for subsequent medical consultations.
Here is one example of a medical release form to request your own medical records:
MEDICAL RECORD REQUEST
DATE:
TO CLINIC OR HOSPITAL (and address):
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
I, _______________________________
DOB (date of birth): ________________
Request copies of my medical records, including all outpatient and inpatient records, including all lab, pathology and radiology reports, medication summaries, hospital admission and discharge summaries, and all medical consultations.
From the dates of ________________
[ ] to dates of_________________OR [ ] to present date:___________
for the purposes of ongoing medical care and consultation.
[ ] I will PICK UP records on (date): _____________________________
[ ] Please MAIL these records to me at: _____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Any questions, please call me at (phone): _____________________________
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
_________________________________
Name:
Address:
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