What should I do if I find an error in my personal medical record from the doctor?

If you discover an error in your personal medical record obtained from a doctor, it is important to contact the doctor's clinic or the hospital that issued the record to discuss the error and request a review. Many healthcare providers offer online patient portals that allow you to access and view your medical records [2].

The importance of an accurate personal medical record

A personal medical record is a vital tool for managing your healthcare, as it contains essential information such as your date of birth, blood type, emergency contact information, appointment dates and results, major illnesses and surgeries, a list of medications and supplements you are taking, any allergies you have, chronic diseases, and family medical history [1]. The accuracy of this information is essential to ensure you receive the correct medical care and to avoid any potential errors in diagnosis or treatment.

Steps to handle an error in the medical record

For the effective correction of any error in your medical record, follow these steps:

• Identify the error accurately: Clearly identify the error or errors present in your medical record, noting the date and the document containing the error if possible.
• Contact the healthcare provider: Contact the doctor's clinic or the medical records department at the hospital that issued the record. Inquire about their procedures for reviewing and correcting errors in medical records.
• Use patient portals: If the healthcare provider offers a patient portal, you can use secure messaging to inquire about the data you believe is incorrect. Patient portals allow you to view information and communicate with the clinic [2]. Ask the clinic staff about the steps for submitting a data correction request.
• Follow up: After contacting them, follow up with the healthcare provider to ensure your inquiry is being addressed and to clarify any subsequent steps that may be necessary.

What if the issue is not resolved?

If your initial inquiry is not resolved, continue communicating with the clinic to clarify the discrepancy and the party responsible for reviewing the record. It is important that your health information is accurate to ensure your safety and the quality of your medical care. For more information on managing your health records, you can visit Personal Health Record Management in Jordan (Arabic).

Maintaining an accurate personal health record

Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date personal health record is a shared responsibility between you and your healthcare providers. By regularly reviewing your records and communicating effectively with doctors, you can contribute to improving the quality of your medical care. Remember that online patient portals provide a convenient way to access your health information and communicate with your care team, but they are not intended for emergency situations [2].

When reviewing your personal copy, check especially the list of medications, supplements, and allergies, and compare them with what you know about your current care to identify points that need to be asked about with the clinic team [1].

Medical references

• Personal Health Records
• Patient portals - an online tool for your health