Can I access my medical records?
Yes: access to your own medical records is a patient right. Every patient has a right to access the medical records on their health and treatment. The facility (clinic, hospital) must make them available: for viewing on site (free), and as a copy, printout or on an electronic medium. The first copy of a given scope of records is free; for further ones the facility may charge a fee within a statutory limit. Access is also available to a person you authorise, and after the patient's death — as a rule to a close person (unless the patient objected earlier or another close person objects). Some data you'll also see online in the Patient's Internet Account (IKP) — e-prescriptions, e-referrals, results.
📋 The rules
- The patient has a right to access their medical records
- Forms: viewing (free), copy, printout, electronic medium
- The first copy is free; for further ones a fee within a limit
- Access also for an authorised person
- Some data online in the IKP
🔓 Exceptions
- After the patient's death: access for a close person (unless an objection)
- No patient consent: limits third parties' access
- Sharing with other entities: only on a legal basis or with consent
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Refusing to share records or cutting patient rights (e.g. charging for the first copy, delaying) breaches patient rights — you can complain to the Patient Rights Ombudsman, and the facility is liable. On the other hand, the facility must protect the data and share them only with the entitled, so it may verify identity and authorisations. To get the records: file a request at the facility (in person, in writing or electronically), state the scope and preferred form (viewing, copy, medium), and attach an authorisation if needed. Also check the IKP, where much data (prescriptions, referrals, results) is available instantly. On problems, use the help of the Patient Rights Ombudsman.
📎 Official sources
- ISAP · Act on patient rights and the Patient Rights Ombudsman →
- Patient Rights Ombudsman →
- Pacjent.gov.pl · Patient's Internet Account →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I have a right to my medical records?
Yes. Every patient has a right to access the medical records on their health and treatment. The facility must make them available — for viewing on site, and as a copy, printout or on an electronic medium, at your request.
How much does a copy of medical records cost?
The first copy of a given scope of records is free. For further sharing of the same scope the facility may charge a fee, but only within a statutory limit. Viewing the records on site is free, as is access to data in the Patient's Internet Account.
Can someone else collect my records?
Yes, if you authorise them. Access to medical records is available to the patient and a person they authorise. After the patient's death, access is as a rule available to a close person, unless the patient objected during their life or another close person objects. The facility verifies entitlements.
How do I obtain medical records?
File a request at the facility — in person, in writing or electronically — stating the scope and form of sharing (viewing, copy, printout, medium). Attach an authorisation if needed. Much data, such as e-prescriptions, e-referrals or results, you'll find right away in the Patient's Internet Account.
What if the facility refuses access?
Refusing to share records or hindering access breaches patient rights. You can complain to the Patient Rights Ombudsman, who examines such cases. It's worth keeping the request and any reply from the facility. The facility does, however, have the right to verify your identity and any authorisation.
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