This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your personal health situation.
Your medical records can help you understand your care, prepare for appointments, change doctors, or get a second opinion.
Start with the patient portal
Many providers offer visit summaries, lab results, imaging reports, medication lists, immunization records, and after-visit instructions online.
What to request
- Office notes from a date range.
- Lab results.
- Imaging reports and actual imaging files.
- Surgical report and pathology report.
- Hospital discharge summary.
- Medication list and allergy list.
How to organize records
Use folders such as Primary Care, Cardiology, Imaging, Labs, Procedures, Hospital Records, and Insurance and Billing.
Check for accuracy
Review your name, date of birth, medication list, allergies, diagnoses, surgical history, and major test results.