Medical Records

How to Request Medical Records

We have several options for requesting medical records, depending on your needs. In most cases, we recommend requesting and receiving your medical records through MyUCSDChart for fast and easy service.

Online Medical Records Request Through MyUCSDChart

Most medical records are available online at no charge through our patient portal. (If you don't have a MyUCSDChart account, learn more about using MyUCSDChart. You can also use it to schedule appointments, communicate with care providers and renew prescriptions.) If you do not have a MyUCSDChart account or an activation code, call 619-543-5220, every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • Log in to MyUCSDChart
  • Go to Menu (top left) and choose Medical Records(in My Records section).
  • Choose Medical Record Request and follow the prompts.
  • Your records will be delivered to your MyUCSDChart account, usually within three business days. Records that require a provider’s approval for release may take longer.

Online Medical Records Request Form (for Electronic or Paper Copies)

You can also submit an electronic request for UC San Diego Health medical records through this form. This option does not require a MyUCSDChart account and allows you to request records for others if you are authorized to do so.

Request UC San Diego Health Medical Records

Medical Records Request by Paper Form or In Person (for Electronic or Paper Copies)

To submit a paper request by mail or fax:

Please allow us time to process your request. The legal maximum time to fulfill a request in California is 15 days, although we strive to process requests sooner. We will contact you if your request will be delayed or if we cannot fulfill your request.

Office Locations

Our walk-in services are open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at four locations for the following services:

  • Patient records requests
  • Subpoenas
  • Legal drop-offs

Note: On-site records requests can be dropped off during these hours, but same-day pickup is not available. In-person pickups are only by appointment.

  1. Hillcrest Medical Center
    200 W. Arbor Drive, Room 1-115
    San Diego, CA 92103
  2. Perlman Medical Offices
    9350 Campus Point Drive,
    San Diego, CA 92037
  3. UC San Diego Health Business Office
    6200 Greenwich Drive, Room 1-193
    San Diego, CA 92122
  4. East Campus Medical Center
    6655 Alvarado Road,
    San Diego, CA 92120
    View more info

Fees for Paper Copies

For paper records that are released directly to a patient or an authorized family member, the first 20 pages are free and additional pages are 25 cents each. Fees cap at $6.50 per request.

There is no charge for:

  • Records delivered electronically through MyUCSDChart
  • Paper records that are sent directly to another health care provider

Requests for Radiology Records / X-Ray Images

All imaging results — including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and others — are released to a patient's MyUCSDChart account automatically. Normal results are released four days after the result is available. Abnormal results are released seven days after the result is available.

For imaging records prior to 2018, you can request your records via MyUCSDChart or by submitting the authorization forms above. Radiology may be able to release images by email or mail. For other questions about the release of X-rays and other images, please contact Radiology/Imaging Services at 619-543-6586, Option 4, or email at digitallibrary@health.ucsd.edu.

Fax Requests from Other Providers

For immediate continuity of care requests, you or your health care provider can request that records are sent directly to their office. Use the form above, or your provider’s office can fax a written request on business letterhead to 619-543-7128. They should include the patient's name, date of birth, and date of visit or information requested. Please write "STAT" at the top of the request.

Note: Please mail all subpoena-related documents, non-patient directed requests, and/or audit requests. See our mailing address.

Other Requests Related to Your Health Record

For any of the following requests, please see our Privacy Practices page for complete instructions:

  • Amending your health record or adding an addendum to your health record
  • Receiving a list of disclosures we have made of your health record
  • Confidential communications about your health information
  • Restricting or limiting the health insurance information we disclose

Sharing Your Information with Other Providers

Learn about health information exchanges and sharing your health information with outside providers.

Important Information About Requesting Medical Records

To ensure your request is fulfilled quickly, please be aware that:

  • Requests cover records related to care at all UC San Diego Health locations, except Rady pediatric clinics, occupational medicine clinics, and Shiley Eye Institute. Please contact those clinics directly.
  • Authorizations MUST contain the following information. If any of these items are missing from the form or if the form is not signed and dated, your request will be returned.
    • Patient information:
      • Patient’s full name (list any other names the patient may have had)
      • Date of birth
      • Medical record number (if available)
    • To whom the records will be released (name and full address)
    • Purpose for which the information may be disclosed (such as personal use, continuity of care, legal matter, insurance)
    • The health information being requested (such as hospital stay, clinic visit)
    • Your initials to acknowledge release of sensitive information. Information related to drug and alcohol abuse treatment, mental health or psychiatry treatment records, HIV test results, or genetic test results will NOT be released without an initial.
  • Authorizations signed by a representative must be verified by including a copy of one of the following documents:
    • Legal guardianship papers
    • Advance directive or health care power of attorney, for patients unable to make health care decisions
      Download in English and Spanish
    • Designation of a personal representative, which allows the representative to act on the patient's behalf with regard to personal health information
      Download in English | Download in Spanish
  • Requests for medical records of deceased patients require a copy of documentation verifying personal representative status or estate executorship. If the deceased individual is intestate (died without a will), requests for medical records will require a copy of the death certificate and government-issued identification of the spouse or heir (for example, the surviving spouse, registered domestic partner or child).
  • Records can be released to anyone whom the patient authorizes (in writing) to receive them. If an expiration date is not noted, the authorization is valid for one year.

Mailing Address and Fax Number

UC San Diego Health
Attn: Health Information Management
200 West Arbor Drive, #8825
San Diego, CA 92103

Fax: 619-543-7128

Contact Us

Do you still have questions? We are here to help, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed on weekends and holidays. Call 619-543-6704 and select option 5.