In most cases, according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), you can request your own medical records. If you are not allowed to have a copy of your medical records, you can usually review them at the medical provider's office. Once you submit a request to see your medical records, your provider should respond to your request within 30 days. You should be able to obtain your medical records, doctor's notes, test and lab results, and billing information.
If you need to obtain records from a closed practice or a retired doctor, your records are often still available. To find your records, contact the original office, your health insurance company, your local medical society, or the local hospitals to help locate your records. Once you obtain your medical records, it is up to you to keep them private. Only share your records with required persons and keep your copies in your safe.