Every time your child climbs up on a doctor’s exam table or rolls up a sleeve for a blood draw, somebody makes a note of it in your child’s medical record. Doctors keep a medical record on every patient to provide the very best care.
A medical record is a history of your child’s health and includes information about her:
- Height and weight
- Medical problems, such as asthma, epilepsy or diabetes
- Mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression
- Medical test results
- Medicines and doses
- Allergies
- Immunizations
- And more
It’s important to keep an electronic or paper copy of your child’s medical record to make it easier to share medical information when necessary.
For example, if you go to a new medical specialist or doctor, or if your child has an unexpected visit to the emergency room, you’ll want the provider to know your child’s full medical history. Other times, a new school, summer camp or daycare may need the information in them, such as a record of your child’s immunizations.
How to access your child’s medical record
If your child is under 18 years old, you can get copies of most of your child’s medical records. You may want the entire record (i.e., changing doctors) or only specific information (i.e., reports from a surgery or test).
To request a copy of your child’s medical record, you first need to fill out and sign a HIPAA Authorization to Release Medical Records form. You can download the authorization form or contact Akron Children’s Health Information Management department at 330-543-8552 or email records@akronchildrens.org to receive the form by mail.
Then, send your signed authorization form to Akron Children’s Health Information Management Department by:
- Fax: 330-543-5360
- Email: records@akronchildrens.org
- Or Mail:
ATTN: Health Information Management
Akron Children’s
One Perkins Square
Akron, OH 44308
Be sure to include your child’s full name, date of birth, the specific records requested and treatment dates. Also include your name, address, phone number and relationship to the patient. For additional tips on what to include, check out these FAQs on requesting medical records.
All requests must be written, signed and dated to release any records. Copies for doctors and other care providers are free. Otherwise, customary charges can apply.
Got MyChart?
Current patients also can access their electronic medical records through MyChart. Most hospitals and doctor offices today use electronic health records, such as MyChart, to make it easier for all providers to see the same, up-to-date information.
MyChart offers safe and secure online access to your child’s medical chart 24/7 at no cost to you. Plus, MyChart makes it easier to manage your children’s health with many convenient features to:
- Manage your appointments. Schedule your child’s next appointment, or view details of her past and upcoming appointments.
- Check in early. You can use MyChart PreCheck-in up to 5 days before your child’s appointment.
- Communicate with your doctor. Get answers to your medical questions from the comfort of your own home.
- Access your test results. No more waiting for a phone call or letter, instead view your child’s results and your doctor’s comments within days.
- Request prescription renewals. Send a renewal request for any of your child’s renewable medications.
For more information about MyChart, call 330-543-4400 or email mycharthelp@akronchildrens.org.
Log in to your MyChart account.
Don’t have a MyChart account? Sign up today.
