Why Accuracy Matters
Your medical record should reflect reality. Here’s how to correct it—clearly and effectively.
Errors in medical records can lead to:
Misdiagnosis or mistreatment
Insurance issues
Delays in care
Loss of trust between patient and provider
Legal problems
In rare cases: DEATH
Even small errors—like a misspelled name or wrong birthdate—can cause confusion or affect future healthcare decisions.
Your medical records belong to you—not just the clinic or hospital. They must reflect the truth about your health history. If something is wrong, you have the right to fix it! Advocating for yourself by correcting your records helps ensure better, safer care.
If you encounter resistance, know the law is on your side—and there are steps you can take to make your voice heard.
Provider Responsibilities
Healthcare providers must:
- Respond in a timely and respectful manner
- Maintain a copy of your request and their decision
- Share any approved amendments with:
- You
- Any others who received the original record (if requested)
Providers cannot retaliate against you for making a request or filing a complaint.
How to Request a Correction
Step-by-Step Process
Review your records.
- Request a copy of your medical record from your provider.
- Review it carefully and highlight any errors or omissions.
Submit a written request.
- Use your provider’s specific form (if they have one) or write a formal letter.
- Clearly state:
- What the error is
- Why it is incorrect
- What the correct information should be
Include supporting evidence.
- Provide any documents (test results, prescriptions, or other medical records) that support your correction.
Wait for a response.
- Your provider must respond within 60 days (may be extended by 30 more days with notice).
- They must either:
- Make the correction, OR
- Deny the request and explain why
If the Provider Denies the Request
You have options:
- Submit a “Statement of Disagreement.”
- This is your official written disagreement with their decision.
- It becomes part of your medical record and must be included in future disclosures.
- File a complaint.
- With the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights.
- Or with your state’s health oversight agency or medical board.
- Mental health records: You may not be able to access or correct psychotherapy notes, but you can usually correct factual errors.
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs): You may have online access and tools to request corrections directly through a patient portal.
- State laws: May offer additional rights or protections.