Release of Information
You may need to have medical information released from UHS to you, another doctor, healthcare facility or school, or for legal or insurance reasons. You may also want to get copies of your information sent to UHS from another provider. Here’s what to do:
- UHS records release policy
- Release of Medical Information form
- Immunization records
- Sending records to another provider
- Getting records from another provider
- Getting records for yourself
- Legal and insurance releases
UHS records release policy
University Health Services (UHS) supports the right to confidential medical care. Written authorization is required for all records released. For release of a minor child’s records, a parent or guardian must provide written authorization.
Immunization records are the only exception. These are considered a matter of public record and can be released without written authorization.
Release of Medical Information form
Download and complete the Release of Medical Information form. When the form is completed, it can be delivered to UHS Medical Records; faxed to (413) 577-5440; or mailed to University Health Services, University of Massachusetts, 150 Infirmary Way, Amherst, MA, 01003-9288, Attn: Medical Release.
Immunization records
To get immunization records for yourself or a minor child, download and complete the Release of Medical Information form.
When completed, deliver it to UHS Medical Records, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; fax it to (413) 577-5440; or mail it to University Health Services, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 150 Infirmary Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9288, Attn.: Medical Release.
Requests should be made by mail or fax. If you call the Medical Release Office to request immunization records, you'll need to provide and spell the full name of the person whose records are being requested. We will also ask for their birth date and Social Security number, along with a mailing address or fax number.
Records usually take three to five working days to prepare; when demand is high, the process may take longer.
The New Student Immunization Form must be sent to the New Student Immunization Office, not the Medical Records Department.
Sending records to another provider
To request medical records other than immunizations, download and complete the Release of Medical Information form, or get a copy from the Medical Records Department.
In addition to providing the full name, birth date and Social Security number of the person whose records are being requested, you’ll be asked to describe the information you want released. This may include the dates you were seen, tests performed and their results. If a provider tells you what they need from your record, include this information on the request form. Include the name and address of the provider receiving the records.
There’s no charge to you for records sent directly to another healthcare provider. Allow seven to 10 working days to process your request, not including mailing time.
Getting records from another provider
If you’d like to have records sent to UHS from another provider, download a Medical Records Release to UHS form or get a copy from the Medical Records Department.
Getting records for yourself
To get copies of records other than immunizations, download and complete the Release of Medical Information form, or pick up a copy at the Medical Records Department. Specify the information you want to receive.
For personal record requests, there’s a .25 per page copying fee, with a maximum charge of $20. Please allow seven to 10 working days to process your request, not including mailing time.
Legal and insurance releases
If your medical records are required for insurance or legal purposes, you’ll usually be asked to sign a document allowing the insurance company or attorney to obtain records on your behalf.
In the unlikely event that you’re asked to get your own records, UHS’ Medical Records Correspondent will help you. A $50 fee applies to releases for insurance or legal reasons. If additional records are required as part of continuing care, they’ll be included under this fee.
