Can I access my own medical records?
Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Educational content; not legal advice.
Short answer
Yes. Your health information is your personal (and sensitive) data, and under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) §16(c) you have the right, upon demand, to reasonable access to the contents of the personal information a hospital or clinic holds about you — including the manner in which it was processed and the sources. In practice you can request a copy of records such as your medical abstract, laboratory and diagnostic results, and the itemized Statement of Account from the hospital's records section, usually in writing and with a valid ID (a reasonable fee for copying may apply). A medical abstract is also a standard requirement for PhilHealth reimbursement and for a second opinion. If a facility refuses without a lawful basis, you can raise it with the National Privacy Commission (for the data-access right) and the DOH (for the facility's conduct).
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Frequently asked
What records can I ask for?
Commonly: your medical abstract (a summary of your diagnosis and treatment), laboratory and imaging results, operative or discharge records, and the itemized Statement of Account. Request them from the hospital's medical records section, typically in writing with a valid ID. A copying/administrative fee may apply, but the underlying right of access to your own personal data is protected by RA 10173 §16.
Can they refuse to give me my records?
Access is your right under the Data Privacy Act, but it is 'reasonable access' — a facility may set a lawful process (written request, ID, a copying fee) and, in narrow cases, the law recognises limits (for example, the Mental Health Act §5(r) allows withholding clinical records only where revealing them would cause harm to the service user's health). A blanket refusal with no lawful basis can be raised with the National Privacy Commission and the DOH.
Why do I need my records?
You need a medical abstract to file a PhilHealth reimbursement, to get a second opinion, to continue care with a new doctor, and to support any complaint about your treatment. Requesting your records early — before you leave the hospital if possible — avoids a scramble later against the 60-day reimbursement clock.
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