FAQs

How do I send information to a healthcare provider?

Records can be shared through MyChart (Sharing) or complete the SH 48 Release Authorization Form.

How do I request a copy of my medical record?

Medical records can be printed through MyChart or by submitting a completed Patient Access Request Form.

How do I request access to my deceased relative’s medical record?

If you are the executor/administrator of the estate, please complete a Patient Access Request Form and provide a copy of the court documentation.

If an executor/administrator has not yet been chosen, please complete a Distributee Certification Form and a Patient Access Request Form.

Please include a copy of the death certificate with the form(s).

I have an HIV related condition. What form do I need?

Please complete OCA Form 960.

I am enrolling into college sports and the NCAA is requesting proof of sickle cell testing. How would I obtain this information?

Sickle cell testing is a part of the Newborn Health Screening which may be retained in the patients birth records as long as the birth records are within the 21 year record retention timeframe. To obtain these results through URMC, please submit a request for records to HIM, either via the Patient Access Request Form or through the MyChart questionnaire: Request Medical Record Release. Please note processing times will vary depending on where the patients birth records are located (electronic chart versus physical paper record). If a copy of the results are needed urgently, please visit: https://www.wadsworth.org/programs/newborn/screening/providers/obtaining-results.

Please note that the Sickle Cell test can be re-ordered/performed through your primary care provider.

My son is a 19-year old college student. My insurance pays his hospital bills and I claim him as a dependent on my income tax. Why can’t I see his medical records?

By law, only the adult (age 18 or older) patient or a legally designated representative has the authority to release the information contained in a medical record about him/her, regardless of who is paying the bills. Legally designated representatives include court appointed guardians or others with power of attorney for the patient. For children under age 18, only a parent or a court-appointed guardian may authorize release of medical information.

My mother died last year. Can I request a copy of her medical records?

The next of kin or personal representative of the estate may request medical records. A copy of the death certificate is required and the identity of the next of kin may be needed. If you are the executor/administrator of the estate, please complete a Patient Access Request Form and provide a copy of the court documentation. If an executor/administrator has not yet been chosen, please complete a Distributee Certification Form and a Patient Access Request Form.

How long will you keep my medical record?

Medical records are retained for 21 years.

My husband and I are divorced. Can we both have access to our children’s medical records?

Yes, unless parental rights have been severed by the court.

How can one of my outside doctors get copies of my medical records?

You can provide access to your records to a provider through MyChart (Sharing). Or the health care provider (a physician, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, etc.) who is treating you can request copies of your health information at any time. It may be necessary to verify that this provider is currently treating you. The health care provider should submit a request in writing. In some instances, a signed HIPAA compliant authorization may be necessary.