What’s in it

Having your health record makes it easier to:

• Share important health information with family members, a new doctor or other health care provider, or a medical emergency team
• Coordinate health care with different providers, clinics, and hospitals
• Make sure your information is up to date and correct
• Avoid repeating tests and procedures you’ve already had
• Share health information, like immunization records, with schools, camps, and others

What am I asking for?

Health records can sometimes be hundreds of pages long, so knowing which part of the record you want can be important. If you’re not sure, ask for help at your provider’s office.

• Full record: If you’re switching to a new primary care provider or health insurance plan, you’ll want to get a copy of your full record to give to them. You may also want a copy for your own use.
• Partial record: If you want to share specific health information with new providers or others, you may only need a partial record. For example:
  • Allergies
  • Medications
  • Records of immunizations
  • Provider’s notes from a single visit
  • Test results or X-rays

How many copies do I need?

If your health record is not available electronically, or you or your health care provider prefers a paper copy, you’ll need to determine how many copies you need.

• Personal use: If you want a copy for your personal use, you may need only 1 copy.
• Care providers: If you’re sharing health information with your care team, your family, or the person you’ve asked to make health care decisions for you (sometimes called a personal representative), you may need a copy for each person or office.

What format do I need?

Health records are available in different formats:

• Electronic records, like Word documents, PDFs, and data your computer can read
• Paper records

Who is the health record for?

For yourself: Choose the format that works best for you. Electronic records are the most convenient because they’re easier to update and to share. In most cases, they take up less space.

• Structured data (data your computer or smart phone app can read)
• Text file (like a Word document)
• PDF
• Paper

For your care team: If you’re sharing your record with a new health care provider, ask what format they need. Because of differences in record keeping, each office may require a different format.

How do I want it to get it?

Depending on the format of health record you choose, you have some choices about how it will be delivered to you and your care team. For example:

• Secure email through your health care provider’s health record system, sometimes called a patient portal (for your own use)
• Directly into your electronic health record (for your provider’s use)
• Non-secure email (your personal email)
• CD or USB (thumb) drive
• Fax
• Mail (standard postal service)
• Pick-up at provider’s office