Medical Records

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.

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.

• Ask each doctor you see at each appointment to send a report to the doctor you choose as your main doctor. This is often the specialist in charge of your life changing condition.
• 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, It is also your job to assure that your medical records contain information about how your condition affects your daily living and ability to work. 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 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. You can keep a hard copy, store them electronically online, or even make an electronic copy you can easily carry with you at all times by scanning documents into your computer. (An inexpensive scanner will do). Having your own copy 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.

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