How to Request Records From a General Surgery Doctor
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.
How do I request medical records from a General Surgery doctor?
To request records from a General Surgery doctor, submit a signed written request to the provider's records department. Typical processing time is 10-21 business days. Common general surgery record types include Pre-operative assessment, Operative report, Anesthesia record. Most general surgery practices use EMR systems like epic-emr or cerner-emr, which may offer patient portal access for faster electronic delivery.
Expert Tip for General Surgery Records
Surgical records may be split between the surgeon's office and the facility where surgery was performed. Request the operative report from both sources. Pathology results may come from a third-party lab.
Step-by-Step: Requesting General Surgery Records
- 1
Identify the correct office or department
Contact the General Surgery provider's office and ask for the medical records or health information management (HIM) department. For hospital-based general surgery providers, records may be managed by the hospital HIM department.
- 2
Submit a written records request
Submit a signed authorization form including your full name, date of birth, dates of service, and specific records you need. For general surgery, commonly requested records include: Pre-operative assessment, Operative report, Anesthesia record.
- 3
Specify the format and delivery method
Request electronic copies if available — most general surgery practices use EMR systems like epic-emr or cerner-emr. Electronic delivery is often faster and may be cheaper.
- 4
Follow up on your request
Allow 10-21 business days for processing. If you haven't heard back, follow up with the records department. Under HIPAA, providers must respond within 30 days (some states have shorter deadlines).
What Records to Expect From a General Surgery Doctor
- Pre-operative assessment
- Operative report
- Anesthesia record
- Pathology report
- Post-operative notes
- Discharge summary
- Complication documentation
EMR Systems Used by General Surgery Practices
Knowing which EMR system your general surgery provider uses can help you understand how to access your records, including patient portal options.