Medical Records

Medical Records (H.I.M.)

The Medical Records, or Health Information Management (H.I.M.), department is responsible for maintaining your medical record.

This includes information such as:

Results of lab tests
X-rays
Physician examination reports
Medical treatment and medications
Observations by nurses and other members of your health care team

In accordance with Michigan Law 333.20175, Lake Huron Medical Center (LHMC) has a 7-year retention policy for all medical records, with the exception of delivery/birth records, which are kept until the child reaches the age of 20. X-ray films are also kept for seven years.

Requesting Your Medical Record

To obtain a copy of a medical record, submit:

A completed Authorization to Disclose Health Information Form (download)
A written request with the patient’s full name at the time of treatment and date of birth
Identification of specific information to be released
The name and address of the person to whom records are being released
The date and signature of the patient or his or her legal representative

Requesting the Record of a Deceased Patient

You may obtain the medical record of a deceased patient by providing one of the following:

Death Certificate (ex. Surviving Spouse)
Your Birth Certificate to show the relationship of the deceased. (ex. Surviving Children)
Letter of Authority from the Probate Court naming you as personal representative of the estate of the deceased person.

Requests for medical records are usually processed within 7 – 10 business days of receipt, depending on the priority of the request. Records are sent free of charge when requested by a physician for medical follow-up care, or by a patient. Records requested for other reasons are subject to a processing fee.

You may request a copy of your medical record in person, mail, or fax to:
Lake Huron Medical Center