Does anyone know if you are allowed to go to your doctor and ask to see your medical records? I do know at the hospital where I worked that the patient could demand to see them if a nurse or doctor was with them, but, I don't know about the doctors medical records and notes. Thanks

As of the 24th October 2001, the Data Protection Act 1988 'Subject Access' superceded the Access to Health Records Act 1990, except in the case of a deceased person when the Access to Health Records Act 1990 will still apply. As of the 24th October 2001, the Data Protection Act 1988 'Subject Access' superceded the Access to Health Records Act 1990, except in the case of a deceased person when the Access to Health Records Act 1990 will still apply. Everyone has the right to access personal data held about themselves in either computerized or manual form, whenever the record was made.
Who can see a medical record?

· You.
· Another person with your written permission.
· A parent or guardian of a person under 16, if that person agrees.
· A court appointed representative of someone who is not able to manage their own affairs.
· Where the patient has died, the personal representatives and anyone with a claim arising out of death, may apply to see the records, or part of them. The person holding the records need not disclose anything that dates from before November 1991.

Now this in info for the UK but it sums it up nicely. As for the US, each state has what is called a Health and Safety Code but to my knowledge, access to personal medical records must be granted state-wide. HOWEVER, a physician may refuse a patient's request to see or copy his or her mental health records if the physician determines there is a substantial risk of significant adverse or detrimental consequences to the patient if such access were permitted.

thanks so much georgia for the information on this I really appreciate it!

You are entitled to a copy of all your medical records upon request. I recently got copies of my records from 2 doctors, but I had to pay. Each doctor charged me 20.00 for my records. I also got copies of 2 MRI's from the hospital, but there wasn't a charge for that.

No prob Sam. I do love a good battle and believe me, sometimes it is a battle to get medical records. My allergist even had a fit when he caught me looking through my file at my last visit. But hey, we pay good money so we might as well see what they are writing about us!

You've been given the answers, I believe, but here is my opinion: they're my darn records so I'd darn well better be able to look at 'em! If I ever had a doctor that wouldn't let me see my own medical records, I would change doctors immediately.