All About Medical Record Information

The medical record is the property of the hospital. The patient does not automatically receive a copy of his/her medical record upon discharge from the hospital. Medical records must be completed by all physicians involved in the patient's care prior to being copied and released to the patient. This process can take up to 30 days. The patient may receive a copy of his/her medical record, upon completion, for a fee.

Patient-related information may also be released to a physician or medical facility for follow-up care of the patient when needed, free of charge. We encourage patients to request medical record information at least 10 days prior to any follow-up care.

How Do I Receive My Medical Record Information?

Step 1: Authorization Release Forms
The information contained in the patient's medical record is confidential. All requests for release of medical records information must be accompanied by an authorization form and signed by the patient. The form must have an original signature.

Click here to download a printable version of the authorization form.

NOTE: Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to print form.
Click here to download a free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader

Step 2: Submit
Please mail or deliver in person to the address below:

Health Information Management Dept.
George Washington University Hospital
Attention: Correspondence
900 23rd Street, NW
Suite G2036
Washington DC 20037

Electronic Delivery of Records
To receive your medical record information via the Internet, please complete steps 1 and 2. Be sure to indicate on the authorization form that you want the medical record information sent to you electronically providing an email address and creating a security PIN number.

Fees

Processing and copy fees are charged on a case-by-case basis. Costs may vary depending on the type of request. Carefully review the list below for charges that may apply.

Universata Copy Costs
Continuity of Care (Records to other health care health care providers): Patients records will be forwarded directly to any health care provider at no charge.

Patient Fees:
$1.00 per page plus shipping and handling fee.

Disability:
Only disability determination agencies are authorized to request and receive patient medical records. Fees are regulated by the state of residency of that agency. Such fees are only applicable when the request is received directly from a state or federal agency.

Attorney Fees:
$19.09 preparation fee.
$1.00 per page plus shipping and handling fee.

All other requests may be subject to fees. Please call Billing and Technical Support below for more information.

Billing and Technical Support:
For any billing or technical support questions on medical records sent to you please call 301-916-4700 (inside the DC Metro Area) or our Toll Free Number 1-866-683-4700 (outside the DC Metro Area).

When Do I Receive My Medical Record Information?

The Medical Record Information is processed and mailed within 7-10 business days. An invoice (if applicable) will accompany the information. Please make all checks payable to:

Universata, Inc.
12800 Middlebrook Rd., Suite 102
Germantown, MD 20874

Contact Medical Records

Release of Information
Universata, Inc.
Monday – Friday
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
202-715-4376

General Information
Open Daily
6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
202-715-5324

Medical Records Policy

Has It Been More Than 10 Years?

The George Washington University Hospital retains hospital based medical records in accordance with the District of Columbia's Municipal Regulations.

All records are maintained for not less than 10 years following the date of discharge, after which they are destroyed. This applies to both inpatient and outpatient cases that are hospital-based services.

If the patient was a minor at the time of last visit, records are maintained for a minimum of 10 years or until the person is 22 years of age.

Birth Certificates/Death Certificates

For Birth Certificates and Death Certificates please contact:

DC Vital Records
825 N. Capitol Street, NE
First Floor
Washington, DC 20002
202-442-9009

Note: The information on this Web site is provided as general health guidelines and may not be applicable to your particular health condition. Your individual health status and any required medical treatments can only be properly addressed by a professional healthcare provider of your choice. Remember: There is no adequate substitution for a personal consultation with your physician. Neither The George Washington University Hospital, or any of their affiliates, nor any contributors shall have any liability for the content or any errors or omissions in the information provided by this Web site.

The information, content and artwork provided by this Web site is intended for non-commercial use by the reader. The reader is permitted to make one copy of the information displayed for his/her own non-commercial use. The making of additional copies is prohibited.