Can a doctor refuse to give me my medical records?

Under HIPAA, patients have a legal right to access their medical records. A provider can only deny access in very limited circumstances (e.g., psychotherapy notes, information compiled for legal proceedings). If denied, you can file a complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights.

What is an NPI number and how do I use it to find my doctor?

An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a unique 10-digit number assigned to every healthcare provider in the US. You can search by NPI for an exact match, or search by your doctor's name. The NPI is often listed on your insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB) or billing statements.

How to request medical records from a doctor

Search for the doctor by name or NPI, confirm the current record-holder contact information, and submit that organization's required access request. MedicalRecords.com can pre-fill available directory information for an authorized request. Under HIPAA, a covered entity generally must act within 30 calendar days, with one limited extension; state law may be faster.

How do I find a doctor and request my medical records?

Search the provider directory by name, NPI, or specialty. A profile can pre-fill available directory information for a patient-authorized request; confirm current details with the record-holding organization.

How long does it take to get medical records from a doctor?

Under HIPAA, healthcare providers must respond to medical records requests within 30 days, with a possible 30-day extension. Processing times vary by provider, but most respond within 2-3 weeks.

Can I request medical records from any doctor in this directory?

Yes, you can request medical records from any licensed healthcare provider. Our directory includes verified contact information and affiliated facilities to streamline the request process.

Last updated February 1, 2026

4M+ Verified Provider Profiles

Find your doctor. Request your records.

Search 4M+ providers by name, NPI, or specialty. Pick your doctor, and we pre-fill a patient-authorized records request with their verified info.

Tip: Your doctor's NPI is on your insurance EOB or billing statement

4M+Providers

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Durjoy BhattacharjyaFounder & CEOHealthcare Technology

Reviewed by George T. MathewMDMBAFACP

How do I request medical records from my doctor?

Search for the doctor by name or NPI, confirm the current record-holder contact information, and submit that organization's required access request. A profile can pre-fill available directory information. Under HIPAA, a covered entity generally must act within 30 calendar days, with one limited extension; state law may be faster.

Three Simple Steps

How to get your records

HIPAA gives you the legal right to your records. Here's how it works:

Find Your Doctor

Search by name, NPI number, or specialty. We pull verified data from the federal NPI Registry.

Request Your Records

Click "Request Records" to pre-fill a form with their address, phone, and NPI. Submit in under 2 minutes.

Receive Your Records

Your provider must respond within 30 days under federal law. Most respond within 5–10 business days.

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Records Access Guides

Step-by-step guides for getting lab results, imaging, visit notes, and more.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request my medical records from a doctor?

Search for a doctor by name or NPI, then use the profile's available directory information to start a patient-authorized request. Confirm current contact details with the record-holding organization.

How long does it take to get records from a doctor?

Under HIPAA, providers must respond within 30 days (with one possible 30-day extension). Many offices fulfill requests within 5–10 business days. Electronic records via patient portals may be available immediately.

Can a doctor refuse to give me my records?

Under HIPAA, you have a legal right to access your medical records. A provider can only deny access in very limited circumstances (psychotherapy notes, information compiled for legal proceedings). If denied, you can file a complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights.

What is an NPI number?

An NPI (National Provider Identifier) is a unique 10-digit number assigned to every healthcare provider in the US. You can search by NPI for an exact match. Find it on your insurance Explanation of Benefits (EOB) or billing statements.

How much does it cost to get records from a doctor?

Fees vary by state. Most states allow a per-page charge ($0.50–$1.00) plus a flat fee. Electronic copies are generally cheaper. Some states prohibit fees for records sent to another provider for continuity of care.

Can't find your doctor?

We request records from any provider in the country — even ones not in our directory. Starting at $50.

Request Your Records

Find your doctor. Request your records.

How do I request medical records from my doctor?

How to get your records

Find Your Doctor

Request Your Records

Receive Your Records

Find providers by specialty

Top States

More ways to get your records

Request from a Hospital

Know Your Rights by State

Records Access Guides

All 50 States + DC

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find your doctor?

Related resources

Find your doctor. Request your records.

How do I request medical records from my doctor?

How to get your records

Find Your Doctor

Request Your Records

Receive Your Records

Find providers by specialty

Top States

More ways to get your records

Request from a Hospital

Know Your Rights by State

Records Access Guides

All 50 States + DC

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find your doctor?

Related resources