As a patient, you have a right to have copies of your own medical records. You should request, and keep a copy of all important medical records from all of your treating physicians. These records contain personal medical information about you, test results, treatments and details of your medical condition. Some health care providers will try to lead you to believe you do not have a right to these records and that is not true. They do this to prevent criticism or questioning, but the truth is, a patient, you do have a legal right to a copy of your records.You can contact the State Board of Medical Examiners of NJ should you have any problems obtaining these records from a physician, and they will assist you in getting your records.It is wise to do so, to first confirm that all test results and procedure notes ARE actually yours. As time passes, you may move, a doctor may move, or retire, and having access to your own medical history should you need it quickly will help provide better medical care for you, now and in the future.
