Legally, you have a right to a copy of your medical records.
Updated 9/08/2025
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Under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), you have the right to access your medical records, get copies of them, and amend (correct) them. There are some limited exceptions, such as some legal materials. Sometimes, state laws dictate the exact process to request records and how much you'll have to pay to get them.
HIPAA Right of Access
Again, you have the right to inspect, review, and receive copies of your medical records, subject to a few limited exceptions. This right generally applies regardless of how old the records are or where the care was received, assuming the entity still maintains the records.
Providers must respond to records requests within 30 days, with some permissible extensions, and can charge reasonable fees, such as for making copies or postage. (45 C.F.R. § 164.524(b)(2),(c)(4) (2025).) You might have to make your request in writing. (45 C.F.R. § 164.524(b)(1) (2025).)
Patients may also request to have records sent to a third party, including another provider of choice, given written consent. For example, suppose you used to go to a doctor in one state. Then, you moved to a different state and went to another doctor. You signed a release for the new doctor to get records from the first one. Your new doctor should have no problem getting records from your old doctor with nothing more than your signed consent form.
State Law and Process
State laws sometimes affect the process or set additional rules for medical records requests. For example, state law might have rules about fees or how record requests are handles. If medical services were provided in different states, this can sometimes affect how easy (or difficult) it is to get records.
Getting More Information About HIPAA
To learn more about your right to access health information under HIPAA, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Department's website.
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