Answer: Yes. Patients have a right to access their own medical records. A written, signed authorization request needs to be filed with Health Information Management Department called the Authorization to Release Protected Health Information. Click here to download the form. We cannot accept requests over the phone. You must sign the authorization form and present it by mail or in person. You will also be responsible to pay for copy fees.

Answer: You should always discuss your health information with your doctor. They can help you understand entries and interpret the information on your chart.

Answer: If you have questions or would like to request a correction to specific information in your medical record, please call the Health Information Management Department at 818.902.2939 and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Answer: Adult patients can request copies of their own medical records. A parent or legal guardian may ask for copies of their minor child's medical records. An individual with a legal power of attorney can request copies of a patient who has granted them the legal power of attorney (for example, wife, husband or partner, or a disabled adult). The deceased patient's next of kin may ask for copies of their medical records.

Answer: Yes, your doctor can fax a request for records on their office letterhead. We ask for two patient identifiers (date of birth, full name) in order to establish physician/patient relationship.

Answer: We process requests as quickly as possible. We are allowed a maximum of 15 days to respond to a request, but we will do our best to complete your request as soon as possible.

Answer: If someone other than the patient will be picking up copies of medical records, please let us know in advance. The person picking up the medical records must bring written authorization from the patient as well as a copy of the patient's identification. Identification is also required for the person picking up the record.

Answer: The medical record itself is a legal document and the property of Valley Presbyterian Hospital. Therefore, the original medical record stays at Valley Presbyterian and copies are sent to the other facility.

Answer: There is a 25 cent per page charge for personal copies of medical records or for copies sent to law firms and insurance companies. There is no charge if your records are being sent directly to another health care provider. Attorneys requesting records must pay a $15 processing fee.

Answer: No, we do not collect payments. You will receive an invoice for payment.

Answer: We will only have the record of the first shot your child received. You must sign a release form to obtain this documentation. Your child's pediatrician will have a record of all immunizations and will be able to print this out for you.

Answer: Medical records for adult patients will be retained until at least 10 years from the date on which the patient was last treated at Valley Presbyterian Hospital. For our minor patients, records are retained for 25 years.

Answer: If a patient is deceased, the authorization must be signed by the appointed personal representative. Otherwise, a surviving spouse, an adult child, a parent, or responsible next of kin may authorize release of records. If you are requesting records for a deceased patient, please be prepared to provide proof of beneficiary status or Power of Attorney.

Answer: We don't have this technology available for medical records at this time.

Answer: Yes, but you will need to contact the Imaging Department at (818) 902-5294. Completion of the Authorization to Release form will be necessary. A CD of any cardiac studies are also provided by Radiology.

Answer: Death Certificates are available through the Office of Vital Records.

Office of Vital Records

313 North Figueroa St, Room L-1
Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (213) 240-7812
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday-Friday