Medical Records

It's 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.

It is your job to assure that all medical information about you is together in at least one doctor's office and that it is accurate. One way to do this is to review the records at least once a year.

It is also your job to assure the records of the specialist for your health condition contain information about how your condition affects your daily living and ability to work. This information will be important if you apply for any 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 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. It will help give you control of your care and greater continuity. Once you see the data the doctor is working with, as well as his/her assessment, you can even make better choices about your own health care.