Content Overview 
- Summary
- Why It Is So Important That My Medical Records Be Complete And Accurate?
- How Can I Assure My Medical Records Are Complete?
- How Can I Assure My Medical Records Are Accurate?
- What Legal Right Do I Have To My Medical Record?
- Can My Health Care Proxy See My Medical Records?
- Can I Be Charged For A Copy Of My Records, And If So, Is There A Limit?
- How Do I Access My Medical Record?
- What Do I Do If I Am Denied Access To My Medical Records?
- What Should Be In My Medical Record?
- How Will I Be Able To Understand My Medical Record?
- How Can I Have Mistakes In The Medical Record Corrected?
- Why Should I Keep My Own Medical Record And What Should Be In It?
- Confidentiality Of Your Medical Record
- How You Can Help Protect The Confidentiality Of Your Medical Record?
- What If My Medical Records Will Be Needed To Prove A Claim For Disability?
Medical Records
Summary
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It is important that your medical records are accurate and up-to-date. Your medical records are a vital part of your health care. They are also important to your finances.
If you are not in a health care system such as the Veterans Administration or Kaiser Permanente, it is your job to makre sure that your medical record is complete and is accurate. (We know. This seems like an unnecessary burden. But it is indeed necessary).
The information that should be included is described in other sections of this document.
One way to be sure your records are up-to-date and accurate is to keep a copy of your records yourself. There are online site that can help you do this such as Microsoft's Health Vault 
.
Alternatively, you can ask each specialist you see to send copies of medical entries, tests and test results to your primary care doctor.
- Every time you see a doctor, and every time you take a test, ask that any findings or images and a report be sent to you or to the doctor you choose as your main doctor. This is generally your primcary care doctor. If you are in treatment, a copy of all documentation should also be sent to the specialist in charge.
- Follow up with the main doctor's office to be sure they receive each report.
- Review the records at least once a year.
If you work, be sure that your medical records contain information about how your condition affects your daily living and ability to work. (Tell the doctor at every appointment, and ask that the information be included in your medical record). Your record should also include any emotional states you experience such as depression or anxiety. This information will be important if you eventually apply for any government or private disability benefits.
If a doctor refuses to give you or your representative a copy of your records, ask another doctor to get them for you. As a last resort, consider going to your state's regulatory authority or, as a last resort, suing.
Health care providers must protect the confidentiality of your medical record. There are also steps you can take to help protect your privacy.
We strongly suggest that you maintain your own set of medical records, including copies of all scans. You can ask for a copy at the end of each apppointment or test. You are entitled to this information and documentation. For more information, see: My Own Copy of My Medical Record.
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