How to Find Medical Charts

Federal law dictates that a person has the right to get a copy of her medical records. It's a simple process to request them. While the below information generally applies to all situations, call the office you are requesting the records from beforehand to determine if you need to do anything else as different offices might have different procedures.

Instructions

• 1

  Call the specific medical office to determine if it still has the records. State laws vary on how long an office needs to keep medical histories on file, according to Robin L. Bennett MS CGC, writing for Genetichealth.com.

• 2

  Write a letter or request a release form from the doctor's office or health care facility storing your records. According to Privacyrightsclearance.org, you should include the following information in your request: full name, birthday, time period you received treatment, specific information being requested---this might be test results, scans, doctor's notes or a full summary of treatment.

• 3

  Confirm the time frame in which you will receive the information and the fee, if any, required for the information. According to HIIPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), providers need to send the information within 30 days--they can receive a 30- day extension with good reason. Some states might have laws that call for even earlier delivery.