How to request copies of medical records or test results

Patients have the right to receive copies of their medical records. You can request copies, specific tests or a summary of your hospital stay called an “Abstract” of the records. You will be charged a fee for costs related to medical record retrieval, copying and certification.

You must complete and sign the Patient Request for Health Information form. Download and print it here.

If you are requesting medical records for someone else, you must complete the HIPPA complaint authorization form. Download and print it here.

To obtain your medical records by mail:

• Print the completed and signed request form and mail to the hospital where your service was provided. Make sure you fill out your mailing address and check the box for mail.
  

To obtain your medical records by email:

• Complete and sign the request form and attach to your email – send to sjchs@mrocorp.com.
• Make sure you fill out your email address on the request form and check the box for E-delivery.

To contact Medical Records

The Medical Records offices at both hospitals are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call us at:

• St. Joseph’s Hospital: 912-819-2477 Option #6
• Candler Hospital: 912-819-6767 Option #6

Please select Option 6 to be directed to someone as quickly as possible.

iConnect Patient Portal

You also can view your medical records electronically through your iConnect Patient Portal. iConnect is a secure way for patients to access their medical information including hospital health records, medication lists, appointment reminders and a message board.

Learn more about iConnect and sign up for an account today. 

Requesting access to a Proxy Account for the iConnect Patient Portal:

1. Send an email to iconnecthelp@sjchs.org to request the setup of a proxy account
2. HIM (Health Information Management) will send you a form via email that you will need to fill out and return
3. Once the form is completed you will be able to set up the proxy account in the Patient Portal

To obtain a birth or death certificate

Birth and death certificates are not part of a person's medical record. You can obtain those through the Georgia Department of Public Health or South Carolina Department of Public Health. Please visit the links below for more information:

• Obtaining a birth certificate in Georgia
• Obtaining a death certificate in Georgia
• Obtaining a birth certificate in South Carolina
• Obtaining a death certificate in South Carolina

Looking to apply for a new birth certificate? Please click here.

Advanced Directives

If you are looking for information on Advanced Directives, please visit this webpage. If you are looking for the Advanced Directives form, you may download and print it here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request a copy of my record for myself?

Print and complete this form and mail request to the address of the hospital where you received your service. The hospital addresses are listed above and are on the authorization form. Write “Attention Medical Records” on the envelope.

How do I obtain copies of medical records for those other than myself?

Your child: The parent or legal guardian must sign the consent release. Legal guardians will be asked to provide documentation of legal guardianship.

This includes patients who are 18 or older but unable to sign consent due to physical/mental illness (spouse, elderly parents or other persons for whom you have guardianship).

Patients who are deceased: Legal representation documentation must be provided.

How long will it take to process my request?

The Release of Information Section will inform you when your records will be available; copies can be mailed or emailed to the address provided.

May I fax my request?

Faxed requests are not accepted. However, we do accept faxes from doctor’s offices and other hospital.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions, please call the Medical Records department at the hospital you received service:

• St. Joseph’s Hospital: 912-819-2477 Option #6
• Candler Hospital: 912-819-6767 Option #6