Can my medical information be released over the phone?

No, our staff is trained to never release any patient information over the telephone. Your  information is confidential and will not be released without your written consent. Physicians speaking to other health care providers regarding your medical condition or for your continued  care is acceptable.

How long are my medical records kept?

Retention requirements for medical records in the state of Tennessee are ten (10) years after the  last patient visit. If the patient is a minor child, or incompetent, the ten year period should be counted from the date of restoration of the patient's competence or the patient's 21st birthday. After the ten year period, records may be destroyed in the proper legal manner.

May I pick up my spouse's medical record if they call ahead and give verbal approval?

No, written consent, signed by your spouse authorizing the release of his/her medical record specifically to you would have to be obtained.

How do I get records transferred from my previous attending physician to my physician at AMG?

We will provide you with an authorization/consent form. After your completion, we will send it to the physician you specified. His office should follow the same protocol by releasing your  medical record information to our office and filing your authorization to do so in your chart.

If a patient is deceased, how may records be obtained?

When a patient is deceased, the executor of his estate or if there is no probate, by the surviving  spouse (unless divorced) or next of kin. Priority for next-of-kin is usually in this order (a) spouse,  (b) an adult son or daughter, (c) either parent, (d) an adult brother or sister.