Medical Records
Our primary function is to manage patient medical records during a student's tenure at the University of Pittsburgh.
Each record is vital to the administration of quality health care to an individual patient. And because each record contains such vital personal information, we follow all laws and guidelines which govern the use of such information.
Confidentiality
The Student Health Service maintains patient records as mandated by HIPAA and Pennsylvania State Law.
No member of Pitt's administrative staff is entitled to information from any patient record without the student's written consent except in instances when a subpoena of all records is received in the office of the General Counsel.
No parent of an adult patient (over 18 years of age) or of an emancipated minor is entitled to receive confidential information about the patient unless the patient gives written permission.
Exceptions
Other than members of the staff directly involved in the care of the patient, no one may read or receive a copy of any part of the patient's record with the following exceptions:
- With written permission of the student or his/her parent or guardian if he/she is a minor, a copy of part or all of a medical record may be sent to an outside physician, medical facility or other institution.
- With written permission of the patient or his/her parent or guardian if he/she is a minor, copies of pertinent records may be provided to attorneys, investigating agencies, or copying services.
- Cases in which legal statutes require reports to be made: e.g., contagious diseases, gunshot wounds, child abuse, sexual assault, etc.
Patient Access
If a patient wishes to review his/her medical record, an appointment with a clinician must be made, and the clinician will review the record with the patient.
A patient may receive a hardcopy of his/her record at a cost per page or may have a copy forwarded without cost to his or her personal healthcare provider by completing the necessary authorization form (available at SHS Medical Records).