Medical Records Request
Your medical records and your health information are managed by the Health Information Management (HIM) Department located on the First floor of the hospital.
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (excluding major holidays)
How to Access or Obtain Copies of your Health Information:
Accessing your health information or medical records can be made in the following ways:
- By visiting HIM during business hours and making requests in person.
- By downloading, completing and submitting the Episcopal Health Services Inc. (EHS) Authorization for Release of Information. (Spanish Version)
- Patients can also access their health information, such as lab results and visit summaries, via one of EHS respective Patient Portals.
In some cases, EHS may charge a nominal fee for costs associated with producing medical records. Please click on the Access to Health Information and Fee Notice, which provides information on the methods for obtaining your health information and any associated fees.
Episcopal Health Services maintains two (2) different Patient Portals. Information on the different Patient Portals, and how to access or establish accounts is available below:
- St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Patient Portal
- St. John’s Medical Group Online Patient Portal (Private Offices & Clinic Locations)
Information and access to both portals is available here. There is no cost for accessing your available health information via our patient portals.
Information Blocking
EHS is obligated under Federal law to provide you with unrestricted access to your health information. Generally and with limited exception, EHS is prohibited from engaging in any practices or discriminatory behaviors that forbid, limit or restrict the access, exchange, use or disclosure of one’s health information. Such practices or behavior is known as “Information Blocking”. More information on Information Blocking can be found by visiting the HealthIT’s website.
Health Information Exchange
Health Information Exchange (“HIE”) refers to the sharing of clinical data across the boundaries of health care institutions. EHS works with “Healthix,” an HIE and Regional Health Information Organization (“RHIO”). RHIOs exist to enable interoperable health information exchange via a Statewide Health Information Network (“SHIN-NY”) by setting and implementing policies for sharing information in an established framework and ensuring adherence to such policies to improve health care quality and safety, and reduce costs. RHIOs require commitment from multiple physicians, hospitals, long term care and home care providers, patients, insurers, purchasers, and government in a regional area.
The following is important information about Healthix and how EHS may use or share your health information:
- Healthix FAQ
- Notice to Patients About EHS’s Participation in Health Information Exchange Operated by Healthix (English)
- Notice to Patients About EHS’s “Break the Glass” Use of Healthix (English)
Additional Important HIM Information:
- It is important that you clearly state and complete the information requested on any form. You can then email, mail, fax or present in person, any completed forms.
- Federal and State regulations, with some exception, do permit other qualified individuals or personal representatives to access your medical records and your health information.
- While these forms above are provided for you in English, other languages are available by contacting HIM.
- All requests will be handled in the order in which they are received and within a reasonable time frame. Records needed for direct patient care and physician appointments are prioritized and can be sent directly to health care providers.
- A valid government-issued photo identification is required when picking up records.
- EHS does not issue birth or death certificates. Please contact the New York State Department of Vital Records if you are in need of such documents.
If you have questions or would like to submit requests, please contact us:
Episcopal Health Services Inc., St. John’s Episcopal Hospital
Health Information Management Department
327 Beach 19th Street
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Telephone: 718-869-7797
Fax: 718-869-8554
Email: ehsmedicalrecords@ehs.org