You can read general information on your medical record rights, the flow of medical information, and how to create a personal medical record at http://www.myphr.com/ a Website operated by the American Health Information Management Association, an association of professionals who manage medical records and information.
Medical Terms
You can find out the meaning of many medical terms and medical shorthand from the Medical Library Association’s Website at:
Your library might also have books or brochures that explain medical terms.
Mental Health Treatment Records
The Michigan Department of Community Health has a guide, Your Rights When Receiving Mental health Services in Michigan available on the Department’s Web site at:
The HIPAA Privacy Rule treats most mental health treatment records like other medical records. However, psychotherapy notes (as defined by the HIPAA Privacy Rule) are treated differently. You can read about how these notes are treated in the Summary of the Privacy Rule written by the Office for Civil Rights, HHS at:
Some health care providers do not have to follow the HIPAA Privacy Rule. These providers must still follow the Michigan Medical Record Access Act, a law that give you the right to see and get a copy of your medical record in Michigan. You can read the Medical Record Access Act on the Web site of the Michigan legislature at:
