You have a right to your own medical records
In most jurisdictions, patients have a legal right to a copy of their own medical records, though the exact process and any fees vary by provider and location. This applies to hospital stays, specialist visits, lab results and imaging — it’s your information, not exclusively the provider’s.
How the request process typically works
- Find the hospital’s medical records or health information management office — often a dedicated department, not the front desk.
- Submit a written request, usually on their own form, with identifying details and the specific records or date range needed.
- Expect a processing window — often days to a few weeks, depending on the provider and format requested.
- Specify format — digital copies are usually faster and easier to store than paper.
Requesting records from a doctor you no longer see
The same right applies to a former provider, though practices that have closed or changed ownership can make this slower — records sometimes transfer to a new custodian. Start with the practice’s last known contact information and expect it may take longer than a current provider.
Avoiding needing to request them again
Once you’ve gone through the process, photograph or upload what you receive straight into the relevant family member’s MedKeep document vault — encrypted, organized, and yours from then on. The whole point of requesting records once is not needing to request them again.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request a copy of my own medical records?
Yes, in most jurisdictions you have a legal right to your own records, though the process and any fees vary by provider. Start with the hospital’s medical records department.
How long does it take to get medical records from a hospital?
It varies, often from a few days to a few weeks depending on the provider and the format requested — digital copies are typically faster than paper.
What should I do with records once I receive them?
Upload or photograph them into your MedKeep document vault right away, so you have them organized and encrypted permanently rather than needing to request them again later.
Try it with MedKeep — free
Your whole family's medications, vitals, visits and documents. Encrypted on your device, works offline.