Medical records are something that few people think
about until they are needed. It can be disconcerting when you or a
family member needs treatment, only for you to realize the records are
at your previous doctor's office, perhaps thousands of miles away,
because you recently moved.
Medical, dental and optometry/ophthalmology records will need to move
as soon as possible to your new location. People can take copies of the
records with them or have their medical professionals send them to
their new doctors. There are pros and cons to either method, so you
will have to decide which one fits your needs.
If you get copies of your records to take with you,
they will be handy in case of an emergency. The downside is that it's
more important paperwork of which to keep track during a hectic time.
Although, they are copies, you would not want your records lost or used
by identity thieves.
If you decide to have your medical professionals mail the documents,
you will likely have to sign a release form and pay a small
administration fee. Unless you have already selected doctors in your
new hometown, the records won't be sent until you do. Many times, the
shipping of medical records is not a high priority in a doctor's office
and it could take a month or two for your new doctors to receive them.
