Begin with a short treatment timeline
Write down dates, symptoms, providers, facilities, and the events that concern you. Separate what you remember from what is shown in a record. Include the treatment received afterward and the questions you want Leonid to consider.
A patient portal may show only part of the record
Save the materials you can already access, such as visit summaries, laboratory reports, imaging reports, messages, and discharge instructions. A fuller review may need documents that are not displayed in the portal, including complete hospital charts or actual imaging files.
Request records from each relevant provider
New York patients generally have a right to access their health records, subject to applicable restrictions. A written request should identify the patient, the relevant dates, and the records sought. Different providers may hold different parts of the history.
Keep originals and organize copies
Keep the original documents and filenames. Organize copies by date and provider, and record where something came from. Avoid changing the medical documents themselves. A separate note can explain an inconsistency or a question.
Call before sending sensitive records
You do not need a complete set of records to request a free case evaluation. Contact the office first to discuss what is needed and how to provide documents. Do not email confidential medical records before an attorney-client relationship is established.
Source: New York State Department of Health: access to health records.