Dedicated to Discovery. Committed to Care.

Medical Records

DFCI Health Information Services Department (Medical Records)

We are staffed Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A skeletal staff is available on weekends and holidays for direct patient care services only.

Please contact us at (617) 632-3225.

The department keeps outpatient medical records; Brigham and Women's Hospital maintains an inpatient's cancer information.

To Obtain Copies of Your Medical Records

To obtain a photocopy of your medical records, please submit a signed copy of the Authorization for Release of Medical Records form. To obtain a copy of this form, please call (617) 632-2955 and one will be sent to you.

Please note that you, anyone to whom you give permission, or your legal representatives, have the right to read or get a copy of your medical information. However, this special authorization form is required if your medical record contains sensitive information. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Confidential details of:

  • Psychotherapy (from records of treatment by a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, or psychiatric clinical nurse specialist)
  • Other professional services of a licensed psychologist
  • Social work counseling/therapy
  • Domestic violence victims' counseling
  • Sexual assault counseling
  • HIV test results (patient authorization required for each release request)
  • Records pertaining to sexually-transmitted diseases
  • Alcohol and drug abuse records that are protected by Federal Confidentiality Rules (42 CFR Part 2).

You should know that:

  • Once your request is received, it takes approximately 5-7 business days for the record to be photocopied and mailed.

Privacy Questions?

If you have questions about the privacy of your medical records, please speak with your health-care provider, a member of his or her staff, or the Health Information Services Director or Designee, as appropriate. They will be happy to help you.