Access To Your Medical Record
How can I obtain copies or review my Medical Record?
Option 1: Request medical records through your Patient Portal account using either your computer or a mobile device. If you already have an account, click here to log in to the Patient Portal. Or click here to log in if you use screen readers, language translators or other accessibility tools. If you have not signed up for the Patient Portal yet, click here to learn how to create an account. For assistance, you can also contact Health Information Management Patient Portal helpline at 818.902.7958, Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
Option 2: Request medical records by completing an authorization. To use this option, a signed Authorization to Release Protected Health Information request is required. Click here to download the authorization in English. Click here to download the authorization in Spanish. Complete and sign the authorization request. Email, mail or fax the completed request to Valley Presbyterian Hospital's Health Information Management Department (Medical Records). Visit our Guide to Obtaining Your Medical Records page which includes step-by-step instructions.
Who is legally authorized to obtain copies of my Medical Record?
Adult patients can request copies of their own medical records. A parent or legal guardian may ask for copies of their minor child's medical records. An individual with a legal power of attorney can request copies of a patient who has granted them the legal power of attorney (for example, wife, husband or partner, or a disabled adult). The deceased patient's next of kin may ask for copies of their medical records.
Can my doctor, who is outside of Valley Presbyterian Hospital, request my record?
Yes, your doctor can fax a request for medical records on their office letterhead. We ask for two patient identifiers (date of birth, full name) in order to establish physician/patient relationship.
Who can pick up my Medical Record copies?
Medical records can be accessed through the Patient Portal or requests can be made through email, or by scheduling an appointment with a Release of Information Specialist. For additional information, visit our Guide to Obtaining Your Medical Records page. You may also contact us at 818.902.2939 or email us via our Contact Us page.
How long does it take to receive my requested information?
Requests are normally processed within 10 business days of receipt. However, we will do our best to complete your request as soon as possible.
Medical Record Content
What does the information in my Medical Record mean?
You should always discuss your health information with your doctor. They can help you understand entries and interpret the information in your medical record.
If I disagree with the information in my Medical Record, what should I do?
1. Download and print the Request to Amend Protected Health request below.
- To download the Request to Amend Protected Health Information (PHI) in English, click here.
- To download the Request to Amend Protected Health Information (PHI) in Spanish, click here.
3. Email, fax or mail the completed request to the address or fax number below.
Please note: Unsigned and/or incomplete requests cannot be processed.
Contact Information
Health Information Management Department (Medical Records)
Attention: Release of Information
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Address:
15107 Vanowen Street
Van Nuys, CA 91405
Phone Number:
818.902.2939
Fax Number:
818.781.0429
Email: via our
Contact Us page
How long are Medical Records kept?
Medical records for adult patients are kept for 15 years from the discharge date or treatment date. The medical records for minor patients (18 years or younger at the time of treatment) are kept for 25 years.
Can I get my Medical Record on a CD?
Yes, you can receive your medical record on CD.
Can I get a CD of my radiology/imaging studies?
Yes, you can receive your radiology/imaging studies on a CD.
Family and Other Records
My child's school needs a copy of Immunization Records. How do I request that?
We will only have the record of the first shot your child received. To request the record of your child's first shot, a signed Authorization to Release Protected Information request is required. Click here to download the authorization in English. Click here to download the authorization in Spanish.
Complete and sign the authorization request. Email, mail or fax the completed request to Valley Presbyterian Hospital's Health Information Department (Medical Records). Your child's pediatrician should have a record of all immunizations. Please contact your child's pediatrician.
What if the patient is deceased?
The authorization must be signed by the appointed personal representative. Also, we recommend that you contact our Health Information Department (Medical Records) for additional information.
Can I request a copy of a Death Certificate?
Death Certificates are available through the Office of Vital Records. Contact the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk for additional information at the website link below.
DPH Vital Records Office
Attn: Death Section
313 North Figueroa St, Rm Lobby-1
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone:
213.288.7812 or
800.201.8999
Website:
www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/dca/dcadeath.htm
Cost of Medical Records
What is the charge for copies of my Medical Record?
There is a reasonable, cost-based charge for personal copies of medical records exceeding 15 pages. You will receive an invoice by email, fax or mail for the amount of copies that exceeds 15 pages. There is no charge if your records are being sent directly to another health care provider.
Do you accept credit or debit cards?
Yes. We accept credit/debit cards and cash. We do not accept checks.