B2 asked:
I need medical records of my mother who passed away in 1985. A death certificate will not provide a complete medical history which is what I need. Any tips or advice on the best way to go about this? I know the hospital where she passed but it has been 22 years and the hospital is no longer the “family ” hospital it once was. It is now a huge huge multi-floor facility and I am afraid they probably would have tossed the records after a certain number of years.
Best thing is to call Medical Records in that hospital before you do anything and ask them the procedure. Hopefully there will be a “Release of Medical Information” and your name is on it. If not whoever (if that’s you) was Executor of the Estate has to provide documentation (Death Certificate + Proof of Executorship) to get them to release the records. Good luck.
You need to contact the records department and most probably it has been archived in one of their areas. If the regular person doesn’t give you help go and ask for a supervisor, but I really think you need to contact them. Also do you know who your mom’s medical doctor was back then? This could help you as well because if he is still practicing you can contact his office. If he is not then you can ask the hospital if they have his or her records archived.
The best way to go about finding out this information is to (a) research your state laws. Each state has medical/health laws that require offices to keep a patient’s chart on file for a certain period of time before they are allowed to dispose of it. I live in PA, and in my class on health laws and ethics, I don’t remember seeing anything over 6 to 15 years for different situations. (b) Call the hospital and find out their policy on keeping medical records, they may hold on to them longer than required in your state. Attempt to see if they even have your mother’s name on file anymore.
In all honesty though, 22 years is most likely a little too late. But there is no harm in trying.
You might be in luck. Some records on me were found about 50-55 years later. Don’t know if they were on microfilm or not. Contact the Medical Record Department of the Hospital.
It depends on the state. In Massachusetts, the retention laws are 30 years. In others, it’s 20 years. There are a few who are in the 25 year range.
The odds aren’t in your favor, but it’s possible they were filmed and not destroyed yet. Contact the Medical Records dept at the hospital and ask what their record retention policy is. If it’s possible they still exist, fill out a record request form, include that your mother is now deceased and that you are the legal next of kin. Many will insist you include a copy of her death certificate with your request (HIPAA makes it harder and harder to get records on anyone, even your parents).