Medical Records
 

I have been in and out of various establishments the last few years (both in patient and outpatient) for bipolar/major depression/psychosis (they cant come up with a solid diagnosis) and was wondering if there is a way to obtain my medical records. If there is a way does anyone know the procedure? Also, are all of the records compounded into one file or are they seperated by where I was being treated at the time?

P.S. Sorry if this is in the wrong forum I wasn't 100% sure on where to put it.

I'm going to answer your questions separately.

1. If you were seen at different clinics/hospitals that have NO connection to each other than your records will be kept separately. If you saw 2 different psychs who both work for the same clinic those records would be stored together.

Unless one of your doctors requested all of your records from every place you have been treated they will be kept at where ever you were treated.

2. Yes you can request your records.

3. Each place has a separate procedure, you will need to call each clinic/doc/hospital and ask to speak with the person who handles medical records. Most places require you to fill out some sort of paperwork to request the information so there is an official record.

Also some places will make copies of the records for you, others will only allow you to see them in person at the clinic/docs/hospital and not remove them. Some places also will censor your records to remove anything they feel may be harmful to you. Alternatively, some places will require that a trained professional go through your records with you so they can explain any jargon/medical terms/sayings to prevent any misunderstandings.

Alrighty, thanks.