Medical Records Center
Your records belong to you. Here is how to get them.
Federal law gives you the right to see, copy, correct, and share your health information. These guides show you exactly how to exercise it — and what to do when someone stalls.
How to request your records
A written, specific request is answered faster than a phone call.
HIPAA: response within 30 days, with one 30-day extension allowed if explained in writing.Open the guideHIPAA timelines and fees
Know the clock so you can name it when a request stalls.
Complaints to OCR should generally be filed within 180 days of the problem.Open the guideImaging studies
The written report and the actual images are two different requests.
Open the guideOperative and procedure reports
The operative report is the surgeon's own account of what happened.
Open the guideBilling and itemized statements
An itemized bill is a right, and it is where most errors surface.
Open the guidePathology reports and slides
Slides can be sent to another pathologist for a true second read.
Open the guideLab results
You are entitled to your lab results directly from the laboratory.
Open the guideMedication history
A complete list prevents interactions, duplications, and dosing errors.
Open the guideEducational purposes only
Phoenix Health Compass does not provide legal advice or medical advice. This content summarizes publicly available government and nonprofit resources and is cited throughout. Always confirm requirements, deadlines, and forms with the official agency.
Last reviewed by the Phoenix Health Compass editorial team.