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?
• How long do you retain records?
• How long will it take to get a copy of my record?
• How much does it cost?
• I do not want some parts of my medical record (e.g., psychiatric information) released to anyone. What do I do?
• May I look at my family's medical record?
• Who can look at my record?
• Who do I tell if my name has changed?

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 Services Master Patient Index Unit
Box 3016
Durham, NC 27710