When it comes to patient information, "Mum's the Word."
Duke's Patient Bill of Rights assures each patient that his/her
treatment is confidential and it will not be revealed to anyone
without proper authorization. Since all DUMC employees are
involved directly or indirectly in patient care,
confidentiality is an important issue for everyone. Breaches of
confidentiality carry serious consequences.
Can I take my chart home?
Absolutely not. However, you may make an appointment with
Health Information and Record Services to review your chart or
request a copy of your record. To obtain a copy of a medical
record, call or write the HIRS Medical Information Release
Unit. Please submit a valid authorization form signed and dated
by the patient/legal guardian. Certain restrictions and fees
may apply. Please submit requests to:
Duke University Health System
HIRS Medical Information Release Unit
Box 3016
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-3684 8AM-5PM, Monday - Friday
How long do you retain records?
Charts are kept in active files for eighteen months.
Inactive charts are kept forever. There are currently over 3.5
million medical records at Duke.
How long will it take to get a copy of my record?
The average turn-around time for a request is 5 days,
depending on the availability of the medical record.
How much does it cost?
There is a cost of $10.00 for the first 20 pages, and .50
cents a page there after for a patient. There is no cost for us
to send your information to another physician/health care
facility for the continuum of care. The first 20 pages are free
to Duke University Medical Center employees. Other fees and
restrictions may apply.
I do not want some parts of my medical record (e.g.,
psychiatric information) released to anyone. What do I do?
Call 681-2980 to request that your medical record (or
sections of your medical record) be placed in locked file. The
information can then be released only with your permission.
May I look at my family's medical record?
Unless you are the patient's legal guardian, you may not
review a family member's record without his/her signed consent.
Please contact Health Information & Record Services,
Medical Information Release Unit.
Who can look at my record?
Duke Faculty or staff members may look at a patient's chart
(medical record) if they are directly involved in that
patient's care or if they need to look at the chart as an
approved function of their job. Patient information cannot be
released outside of Duke without a valid patient
authorization.
Who do I tell if my name has changed?
Please mail a copy of the legal name change document
(marriage certificate, adoption papers, etc) along with your
previous name, date of birth, Duke Medical Record Number (if
available), and your new name to:
Duke University Medical Center
Health Information and Record Servies Master Patient Index
Unit
Box 3016
Durham, NC 27710
