Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) is a leading academic medical center located in New Haven, Connecticut. As one of the largest and most respected hospitals in the United States, YNHH is committed to providing high-quality patient care, advancing medical research, and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals. A critical component of the hospital's operations is the management of medical records, which contains sensitive and confidential information about patients' medical history, treatment, and care.
Overview of Medical Records at Yale New Haven Hospital
YNHH uses a comprehensive electronic health record (EHR) system to manage patient medical records. The EHR system, called Epic Systems, is a widely used and respected platform that allows healthcare providers to access and manage patient information efficiently and securely. The system contains a range of information, including patient demographics, medical history, laboratory results, radiology images, and medication lists. Electronic health records have revolutionized the way healthcare providers manage patient information, enabling faster and more accurate access to critical data.
Security and Confidentiality of Medical Records
The security and confidentiality of medical records are of paramount importance at YNHH. The hospital has implemented robust measures to protect patient information, including encryption, firewalls, and access controls. Only authorized healthcare providers with a legitimate need to access patient information are granted access to the EHR system. Additionally, YNHH complies with all relevant federal and state regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of patient information.
| Security Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Encryption | Protects patient information from unauthorized access |
| Firewalls | Blocks unauthorized access to the EHR system |
| Access Controls | Restricts access to authorized healthcare providers |
Access to Medical Records
Patients have the right to access their medical records, and YNHH provides several options for patients to obtain their records. Patients can request their records in person, by mail, or online through the hospital’s patient portal, MyChart. The patient portal allows patients to view their medical records, communicate with their healthcare providers, and manage their appointments and medications. Patient engagement is a critical aspect of healthcare, and YNHH is committed to empowering patients to take an active role in their care.
Requesting Medical Records
To request medical records, patients must submit a written request to the YNHH Medical Records Department. The request must include the patient’s name, date of birth, and a description of the records being requested. Patients can also authorize a third party, such as a family member or healthcare provider, to access their records. Authorization forms are available on the YNHH website and must be completed and signed by the patient before records can be released.
- Patient name and date of birth
- Description of records being requested
- Authorization form (if applicable)
How do I request my medical records from Yale New Haven Hospital?
+To request your medical records, submit a written request to the YNHH Medical Records Department, including your name, date of birth, and a description of the records being requested. You can also use the patient portal, MyChart, to request your records online.
How long does it take to receive my medical records from Yale New Haven Hospital?
+Yale New Haven Hospital processes medical record requests promptly, and records are typically available within 5-7 business days. However, the processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the request and the availability of the records.
In conclusion, Yale New Haven Hospital is committed to managing medical records in a secure, confidential, and efficient manner. The hospital’s electronic health record system, Epic Systems, enables healthcare providers to access and manage patient information quickly and accurately. Patients have the right to access their medical records, and YNHH provides several options for patients to obtain their records. By empowering patients to take an active role in their care, YNHH is dedicated to delivering high-quality patient care and advancing medical research.
