Medical Records & Test Results
Understand how to request your medical records, how to view lab results online, and what the terminology in common reports means.
How to request your medical records
Every healthcare organization handles requests slightly differently, but the process usually works like this:
- Identify the record keeper. This is the clinic, hospital, or health system that provided your care: usually its Health Information Management (HIM) or medical records department.
- Check their website for a request form. Many providers publish a records-request form and instructions online.
- Submit the request in the way the provider requires. This might be an online form, mail, or a signed written request. Ask whether there is any fee and what identification is needed.
- Allow processing time. Turnaround varies by provider and record type. Ask the office for an estimate when you submit.
Under federal rules (HIPAA), patients generally have the right to access and receive copies of their own health records. For details, see the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services guidance for individuals .
Viewing lab results online
Many providers release lab results to the patient portal shortly after they’re finalized, while others wait until the provider has reviewed them. If you don’t see a result you expected:
- Confirm with your provider’s office whether the result was released to your portal.
- Ask whether the specific test has a different release policy.
- Remember that some test types have special release rules: ask your provider about any result you can’t locate.
Understanding common terminology (plain language)
- Result / Value: the measured outcome of the test. Units vary by test, e.g., mg/dL.
- Reference range: the usual range for apparently healthy people. Being outside a range is not automatically a diagnosis; it means the provider will look more closely.
- Flag (H / L): “H” means higher than the reference range, “L” means lower.
- Panel: a group of several tests run together, such as a metabolic panel.
- Specimen: the sample used, e.g., blood, urine, tissue.
Never try to interpret a medical result on your own. Reference ranges and results depend on your age, health, and situation. Always review results with the provider who ordered them, and prepare questions in advance using our appointment checklist.
Questions to prepare for your provider
- What does this result mean for me specifically?
- Is anything normal or abnormal for my situation?
- Do we need any follow-up tests or visits?
- Can you add these results to my detailed record?