How to Find a Person's Medical History

Medical records are private documents that are not made available for public use. Medical records contain notes from doctor's appointments, reports for medical or surgical procedures, hospital stays and all other information pertinent to an individual's health. You have the right to access your own personal medical history. You can also access your children's records if they are under the age of 18. The medical records of your spouse and other family members can be obtained with permission, or upon death if you are their next of kin.

Things You'll Need

• Legal documentation (will or death certificate)

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Call your doctor's office or the medical facility from which you wish to obtain records. Inquire about their policy for obtaining the history of another individual. You may be required to provide a medical release form from the person whose records you wish to obtain. Different offices and facilities have different policies, but most require you to produce a medical release form.

• 2

  Obtain legal documentation. A will, power of attorney or death certificate can provide a medical office with proof that you are legally able to obtain a person's medical history.

• 3

  Request the medical histories of your children. As the parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of 18, you have the right to access and request their information. However, some information may be kept private. In some states, girls can block their parents from accessing information pertaining to their reproductive health.

• 4

  Ask a person to have their records sent to you. If you want to medical records of a family member or friend, ask them to fill out a release form to have their medical history mailed to you.