Personal Medical History Lookup Key Terms

The important terms to get medical history information

Every time a person goes to any type of health-care provider, a record of the visit is made and placed into a person's medical or health-care record. Having this information available may save the person from repeating tests or procedures that have already been done and will give all medical providers a complete picture of a person's health history. Health information of all persons is protected by law under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Listed below are things that are common to most health records that pertain to looking up a medical history.

 

Medical record

A medical record contains the chronological history of a patient's health, which includes treatments, exams and findings.
Try: The Electronic Privacy Information Center explains what's found in medical records and who might have access to this information.

Electronic medical record

An electronic medical record is an online collection of a patient's health information stored in a digital (electronic) format that can be accessed and viewed on a computer and shared with the patient's health-care providers.
Try: Open Clinical defines electronic medical records and discusses other issues pertaining to them, such as benefits and barriers to use.

Legal health record

A legal health record is not the same as a personal health record. This type of record includes data linked to a patient but does not include records that the patient has direct control over, such as personal health records.
Try: To understand the legal issues involved in health records, as well as access to them, visit the American Health Information Management Association. 

Imaging or lab test results

These reports provide medical information on test results and, if necessary, recommendations for treatment or further testing.
Try: Merck Manual provides additional information. 

Clinical data repository

The clinical data repository is a database that adds information from many sources, such as laboratory and radiological areas, to a patient's record.
Try: Visit the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. 

Release form

This is a standard form that is used for a patient to obtain copies of medical information, including history and lab results.
Try: Genetic Health has valuable information on getting medical records.  

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