Health records

You have the right to see information in your health record. Your health record includes your medical history, health insurance information and how to contact you.

It is the duty of Allina Health to ensure that your record remains confidential and is maintained and released in accordance with applicable laws.

You can request your health record information either electronically using your free Allina Health account, or by completing and sending the appropriate paper form.

Request using your Allina Health account

Use your free Allina Health account to submit an electronic request to send a full copy of your health record to:

• yourself, using the Patient access request for health information form
• someone other than yourself, using the Request to release and disclose patient information

With your Allina Health account you always have immediate access to select information in your health record including clinic visit summaries and notes.

Request using paper forms

Complete and send the appropriate paper form to request and send a copy of your health record to:

• yourself, using the Patient access request for health information form
• someone other than yourself, using the Request to release and disclose patient information form

Birth Certificates

Hospitals do not keep copies of birth certificates. In Minnesota, the state Office of Vital Records has information on how to get a copy of a birth certificate. In Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has information on how to get a copy of a birth certificate.

Receiving your health information

You have choices on how to receive your health information, including:

• Allina Health account, a free online portal to your health information
• CD/DVD
• paper copy
• encrypted or non-encrypted email. If you choose to receive information in a non-secure manner, the information will not be encrypted and it could be viewed by a third party. Allina Health is not responsible for unauthorized access of your health information while in transmission.
• secure business portal (used when sent to individuals other than yourself)

Electronic health records: Questions and answers

Allina Health has one of the most comprehensive electronic health record systems in the nation.

An electronic health record is a computerized version of your paper health record. It includes all the information needed to care for you, such as your medical history (allergies, medications, test results and other pertinent information), as well as your contact and insurance information.

Our electronic health record system can help improve the quality of your care. One electronic health record will provide your Allina Health caregivers a more complete picture of your medical history at Allina Health.

Your medical information is safe. Only medical providers and personnel involved in your care will look at your health record.

Having one electronic health record will help improve the quality and safety of your care. For example, the Allina Health electronic health record system has tools to immediately alert your doctor if he/she prescribes a medication that may interact with your allergies and/or current medications.

You need to provide your medical history, insurance and contact information at your first visit so that we can enter it into your electronic health record. At future visits, all you need to do is confirm that your information is up-to-date.

Electronic health records allow your doctors to immediately review and update your health records at any of the Allina Health hospitals and clinics you visit. Information in your health record may be printed for you to take to a clinic or hospital that is not a part of Allina Health.