Medical Records

[Kaminski222]

Hi everybody. Are a patient's medical records from all the different Doctors he/she have visited over time kept on a central database or are the records kept independently with each practice you have visited? Also how long are records generally kept ? (google says 6 yrs but not sure if that's accurate). I am asking because I've been hired to work overseas and recruitment may require my health records. Thanks in advance

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

There's no central database, records kept for 5 years after you are the age of 18, 10 years if before.

 

[The Voice]

Hi everybody. Are a patient's medical records from all the different Doctors he/she have visited over time kept on a central database or are the records kept independently with each practice you have visited? Also how long are records generally kept ? (google says 6 yrs but not sure if that's accurate). I am asking because I've been hired to work overseas and recruitment may require my health records. Thanks in advance

Nope, it stays local AFAIK.

 

[bwana]

Hi everybody. Are a patient's medical records from all the different Doctors he/she have visited over time kept on a central database or are the records kept independently with each practice you have visited? Also how long are records generally kept ? (google says 6 yrs but not sure if that's accurate). I am asking because I've been hired to work overseas and recruitment may require my health records. Thanks in advance

Not sure why any company would ever expect you to provide them with your medical history, there are just so many privacy issues involved, but your insurance company would have a record of your claims.

 

[RiaX]

There is no central database for general things. Usually medical practioners keep your files for a minimum of 10 years but they usually keep it longer until they need the space.

Not sure why any company would ever expect you to provide them with your medical history, there are just so many privacy issues involved, but your insurance company would have a record of your claims.

Maybe they looking for any notifiable conditions in his past history or the work he is doing might be dangerous to people with certain conditions. Its odd normally they will ask for a couple of tests not your entire history.