You may have noticed that when you visit a new doctor in your area or another town, they can easily access your medical history. This helps the doctors to treat your condition with care. But have you had any experience of viewing that information by yourself? I bet most of us haven’t done this. They have no idea what their medical records can tell about them.
If you are one such person and wish to access your medical records, we are going to help you. In this article, you can all the information that you need.
What Is A Medical Record?
Healthcare information of a person is recorded centrally in the UK. This data is kept is contained in the shape of an electronic file known as GP record. Some basic information also secured on another file named Summary Care Record (SCR). Only a healthcare professional can access it anywhere in the UK. However, a person views his or her own SCR if needed. The purpose of this practice is to offer support and better medical care.
A medical record can also help someone who is suffering from chronic or long term conditions. It can help your doctor prescribe medicine if you are already on a different medication.
What Do Your Medical Records Hold?
A Summary Care record contains a distinctive NHS number. This number identifies you as a patient and has your date of birth, address, and name. It also includes details about:
A list of drugs that have been prescribed during the last 6 to 12 months.
Present-day medications for a repeated illness like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or asthma inhalers
Any side-effects of drugs in the past
All known allergies
Who Has Access to SCR?
Only authorized professionals of healthcare can access your medical records. People who are care professionals can also look at it but only with your permission. In case you are unable to communicate or unconscious, they may read your records. The security of your medical record is taken as a top priority. It is ensured that an organization cannot access medical records. Information can be accessed only through the ‘Swipe card system’. Anytime a person opens your file, the activity is recorded and monitored.
Accessing your Record
If a person wishes to view his or her GP record he can do so. However, you have to get registered for GP online services first. You can do this by contacting the practice that you are registered with. In case you want to look at the Summary Care Record, make a request by contacting your GP. You can contact the records manager if you want to see hospital records.
Getting Access for Medical Negligence
You can get access to find any medical negligence if your surgery hasn’t gone well. You have to state your reason if you want to commence legal proceedings with the record. You can share that particular information with Medical Negligence Experts only if you have stated the reason.
Other reasons for Denial Access
If you have the responsibility of a child under 16 years of age, you are permitted to view the records. In this case, the interest of the child is often taken into consideration. Also, there are some exceptions as well. You may not be granted access to your record if there are details of third parties. Or healthcare professionals think that it can be a reason for serious harm to your health or another person. Also, if you are accessing records on someone else’s behalf.
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