Obtaining Medical Records
Request Medical Records Online
The Health Information Management (HIM) Department is committed to helping our patients and families, physicians and other users of healthcare information, by maintaining accurate records and providing access to those records in the safest and most efficient way possible.
How to Request Medical Records
Children’s National Hospital offers an online patient record request tool for the following individuals to request patient records:
- Patients requesting their own records
- Parents of minor patients requesting records
- Caregivers acting on behalf of a patient (i.e., Power of Attorney)
Contact Information
You can contact the Medical Records Department Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed on federal observed holidays.
For Patients or Providers: Online Request Tool
To request that a copy of your child’s medical record be released to you or a designated person or organization (e.g., school, daycare provider, employer), complete a request via the online tool. Patients age 18 and older may request their own medical records. Healthcare providers may also request a patient's medical records via the online tool.
For Third-Party Entities: Online Request Tool
ChartSwap is a tool for third-party requesters such as attorneys, government agencies and insurance companies to request/submit their request for records electronically. It allows third-party requestors to track, pay and retrieve requested records all through the same portal.
Learn More About the Online Request Tool
- The online tool verifies your identity by asking for a photo of your driver’s license, which can be taken via webcam or smartphone. There is no additional charge to use this service.
- Chrome, Safari and Firefox are the recommended browsers for this application.
- State and federal laws permit fees to be charged for copies of medical records that are not requested by healthcare providers for direct patient care or patient request.
- If your physician or doctor’s office is not listed, please contact the office directly to obtain your records. Requests are typically processed within 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where else can I find my child's medical information?
The information you are requesting may be available through Children’s National Hospital patient portal, MyChildrensPortal. With a MyChildrensPortal account you can view test results, visit and admission summaries, appointment information, medications, as well as a patient’s medical history.
Please note: The portal only provides access to portions of the electronic medical record; it is not an all-inclusive medical record. Visit our Patient Portal page to set up your MyChildrensPortal account. Already have an account? Log in here.
How can I access my child's radiology images?
To request copies of radiology images, please contact the Radiology Department at 202-476-3426.
When can I expect the medical records to be sent to me?
Due to the large volume of requests and compliance regulations, production or copies of medical records are not immediately available. Requests can take up to 21 business days to process. There may be a fee for providing copies of the medical record (view ScanSTAT District of Columbia release of information fee schedule (PDF)).
Requesting Change of Patient Name
If you need to change a patient’s name, the patient or guardian must use the following form and submit by email:
Please note the form must be accompanied by one of the required legal documents below:
- Patient’s birth certificate
- Adoption decree for the patient
- Patient’s Social Security card
- Patient’s passport
- Patient’s state-issued identification card
- Legal documents, such as court order, containing the patient’s name
- For patients from countries other than the United States, a form of official identification from the home country
Health Information Exchange Access
If you would like to receive a report on which healthcare providers have accessed your record on the Pediatric Health Network IQ (PHNIQ) electronic health exchange (formerly the Children's IQ Network), please email us.