Penn Presbyterian Medical Records: Accessing Your Healthcare Information

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, a renowned academic medical center affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania, provides comprehensive healthcare services to patients in the Philadelphia region and beyond. As part of its commitment to patient care, Penn Presbyterian maintains a secure and organized medical records system. This guide provides essential information on how to access your Penn Presbyterian medical records, including methods for requesting records, fees associated with accessing records, and contact information for the medical records department.

Understanding Your Medical Records

Your medical records, also known as your health records, are a comprehensive collection of information documenting your healthcare journey. They contain important details about your medical history, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and other relevant information. These records are crucial for ensuring continuity of care, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions about your health, and facilitating the coordination of your healthcare needs.

What Information is Included in Your Medical Records?

Penn Presbyterian medical records typically include the following information:

• Personal Information: Name, address, date of birth, contact details.
• Medical History: Past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, immunizations, family medical history.
• Diagnostic Tests and Procedures: Laboratory results, imaging scans, biopsies, surgical reports.
• Medications: Prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements.
• Consultations and Hospitalizations: Physician notes, discharge summaries, progress notes.
• Billing and Insurance Information: Claims, payments, insurance coverage details.

How to Access Your Penn Presbyterian Medical Records

Penn Presbyterian offers several options for accessing your medical records:

1. Online Patient Portal

The Penn Medicine Patient Portal is a convenient and secure way to access your medical records online. Through the portal, you can:

• View your medical history, including recent visits, diagnoses, and medications.
• Download and print your medical records.
• Request appointments and refill prescriptions.
• Communicate with your healthcare providers securely.

To register for the Patient Portal, you will need your Penn Medicine patient ID number and a valid email address. Instructions for registration are available on the Penn Medicine website.

2. Requesting Records by Mail

You can request your medical records by mail by completing the Penn Presbyterian Medical Records Release Form. This form is available on the Penn Medicine website and can be downloaded and printed. Once completed, send the form along with a copy of your photo identification to the following address:

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
Medical Records Department
3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283

3. Requesting Records by Fax

You can also request your medical records by fax. The fax number for the Penn Presbyterian Medical Records Department is 662-3161. To send a fax request, you will need to use the Penn Presbyterian Medical Records Release Form and include your contact information and the specific medical records you need.

4. In-Person Requests

You can request your medical records in person by visiting the Penn Presbyterian Medical Records Department. The department is located at 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283. You will need to present a valid photo ID and provide details about the specific medical records you need.

Fees Associated with Medical Record Requests

Penn Presbyterian charges a fee for processing medical record requests. The fee varies depending on the type and volume of records requested. To inquire about the specific fees for your request, please contact the Medical Records Department directly.

Penn Presbyterian Medical Center Medical Records Department

The Penn Presbyterian Medical Records Department is responsible for maintaining and managing all patient medical records. The department's staff is trained and certified to handle medical records requests securely and efficiently. The department can answer questions about accessing your medical records, processing fees, and any other related concerns.

Contact Information

To contact the Penn Presbyterian Medical Records Department, you can use the following information:

• Phone: 662-3161
• Fax: 662-3161
• Email: medicalrecords@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
• Mailing Address:
  Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
  Medical Records Department
  3400 Spruce Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283

Timeframe for Processing Medical Record Requests

The processing time for medical record requests can vary depending on the complexity of the request and the volume of records involved. Generally, Penn Presbyterian strives to process requests within 10-15 business days. However, it is advisable to submit your request well in advance of your deadline to allow for sufficient processing time.

Importance of Medical Records Access

Accessing your medical records is essential for various reasons:

• Continuity of Care: Providing your medical records to new healthcare providers ensures they have all the necessary information to provide you with the best possible care.
• Understanding Your Health: Reviewing your medical records can help you understand your health history, diagnoses, and treatments.
• Making Informed Decisions: Having access to your medical records empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and care.
• Legal and Insurance Purposes: Your medical records may be required for legal or insurance purposes.

Additional Information

Penn Presbyterian offers a variety of resources and services related to medical records. For additional information, please visit the Penn Medicine website or contact the Medical Records Department directly.

Remember, your medical records are important and confidential. It is crucial to protect them from unauthorized access. If you have any concerns about the security or privacy of your medical records, please contact the Penn Presbyterian Medical Records Department.

Related Resources

For additional information on healthcare records, you can also consult the following resources:

• The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology : The ONC provides information about electronic health records and other health information technology initiatives.
• The Health Information Management Systems Society : HIMSS is a professional organization that focuses on health information management and technology.
• The American Health Information Management Association : AHIMA is a professional organization for health information management professionals.