How to Request Records by Doctor Specialty

Family medicine doctors provide full-spectrum primary care for patients of all ages. They maintain extensive longitudinal records including immunization histories, annual physicals, chronic disease management, and referral documentation.

Internal medicine physicians (internists) specialize in adult medicine and often serve as primary care providers. Their records contain detailed diagnostic workups, specialist consultations, and complex medication management documentation.

Pediatricians care for infants, children, and adolescents. Records include growth charts, developmental milestones, immunization schedules, and well-child visit documentation critical for school and camp requirements.

Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart and cardiovascular diseases. Their records include specialized tests like EKGs, echocardiograms, stress tests, cardiac catheterization reports, and device (pacemaker/defibrillator) records.

Orthopedic surgeons treat musculoskeletal conditions including fractures, joint replacements, sports injuries, and spine disorders. Records include operative reports, imaging studies, and rehabilitation plans.

Dermatologists diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail conditions. Records include biopsy results, pathology reports, photos of lesions, and treatment plans for chronic conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Their records have enhanced confidentiality protections under both HIPAA and state law. Psychotherapy notes are treated differently from general psychiatric treatment records.

OB/GYN doctors provide reproductive health care, prenatal care, and surgical services. Records include prenatal visit documentation, labor/delivery records, surgical reports, and cancer screening results.

Ophthalmologists treat eye diseases and perform eye surgery. Records include vision exams, surgical reports (cataract, LASIK), retinal imaging, and glaucoma monitoring data.

Emergency physicians treat acute injuries and illnesses in emergency departments. Records are typically part of the hospital system and include triage notes, treatment documentation, and discharge instructions.

General surgeons perform a wide range of surgical procedures. Records include pre-operative evaluations, operative reports, anesthesia records, pathology reports, and post-operative follow-up notes.

Neurologists treat conditions of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Records include EEG reports, MRI/CT interpretations, nerve conduction studies, and complex medication management.

Gastroenterologists treat digestive system disorders. Records include endoscopy/colonoscopy reports, biopsy results, imaging studies, and chronic disease management for conditions like IBD and liver disease.

Endocrinologists treat hormone-related conditions including diabetes, thyroid disorders, and metabolic diseases. Records include lab results, insulin pump data, CGM reports, and complex medication adjustments.

Pulmonologists treat lung and respiratory diseases. Records include pulmonary function tests, sleep studies, bronchoscopy reports, and imaging interpretations.

Oncologists treat cancer. Records include pathology reports, staging documentation, chemotherapy protocols, radiation treatment records, genetic testing results, and tumor board notes.

Urologists treat urinary tract and male reproductive conditions. Records include cystoscopy reports, imaging studies, PSA tracking, and surgical documentation.

Rheumatologists treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Records include complex lab panels, imaging studies, biologic medication records, and disease activity scoring.

Nephrologists treat kidney diseases. Records include dialysis treatment logs, transplant documentation, lab panels, and medication management for complex renal conditions.

Allergists/immunologists treat allergic conditions and immune system disorders. Records include allergy testing results, immunotherapy records, asthma management plans, and medication documentation.

Radiologists interpret medical imaging studies. Records include imaging reports and the actual images (stored in PACS). Patients can request both interpretation reports and image files.

Anesthesiologists provide anesthesia care for surgical and diagnostic procedures. Records include pre-anesthesia evaluations, intraoperative anesthesia records, and post-anesthesia care notes.

PM&R physicians (physiatrists) treat functional impairments from injuries, disabilities, and chronic conditions. Records include functional assessments, rehabilitation plans, and disability evaluations.

Pathologists analyze tissue samples, blood, and other specimens to diagnose diseases. Records include biopsy reports, cytology results, and molecular/genetic testing results.

ENT specialists treat ear, nose, and throat conditions. Records include audiograms, sinus CT interpretations, surgical reports, and allergy testing results.