How to fax medical records or a records request
Ask the office for its records or referral fax number, add a cover page with the patient’s name and date of birth, then upload and send the pages. The delivery receipt is your proof if the office says it never arrived.
How to send it
- Ask the receiving office which fax number and department the records should go to (records, referrals and billing often have different numbers).
- Add a cover page marked “Confidential” with the patient’s name, date of birth and what’s enclosed.
- Upload the records or the signed request form.
- Send it and keep the delivery receipt.
Tips so it isn’t rejected
- Under HIPAA you have a right to copies of your own records; many offices still require the request in writing, and fax counts.
- Double-check the fax number before sending: a wrong digit sends health information to a stranger.
Official guidance: HHS: Your right to access your health information. Fax numbers change; always use the number printed on your form or letter. Last checked November 2026.