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YOU AND
YOUR MEDICAL RECORD
What is a medical record?
The medical record is a legal document that
contains sufficient information to identify the patient, support the
diagnosis, justify the treatment, document the course of treatment and
the results and promote continuity of care among health care providers.
Who owns the medical record?
Heath care facilities initiate and maintain a
medical record for every individual assessed or treated. The facility
collecting the information owns the record.
Is my health information kept confidential?
Releasing information is a routine and necessary
activity in a health care facility to facilitate communication among
caregivers and to allow the enterprise to carry on its daily
operations. However, the patient’s right to privacy and
confidentiality, which is protected by law, must be observed. Access to
information is based on the “need to know” principle. No healthcare
information (unless for a reason documented below) is released without a
signed authorization form by the patient.
The Stabler Clinic, PC ensures that all healthcare
information is kept strictly confidential.
How do I contact Medical Records?
Call the Stabler Clinic, PC at 334.382.2681 and ask
the receptionist to transfer you to medical records.
Who is qualified to sign authorization form?
The patient must personally authorize the release
of his/her health information.
Exceptions:
- A custodial parent may sign for a minor child
under 18 years of age
- A health care agent or proxy may sign for the
patient
- A court appointed guardian, upon presentation of
documentation
- In cases of divorce or separation, the parent
who has legal custody of a child (it is the parent’s legal obligation
to provide proof of custody)
- In cases of joint custody, either parent can
sign a release, unless the court ruling states otherwise (it is the
parent’s legal obligation to provide proof of such ruling)
- Legal guardian in the event of a patient’s
incapacity (proof of guardianship is required)
- Emancipated minor (as defined by Alabama law)
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