Request Medical Records

• Health Records Online gives you access to your most recent records from any South Texas Health System hospital visit so that you can print your records or send them to your physician for follow up care.
• If you need archived medical records for care you received prior to 2014, or for care that is not included in Health Records Online, please read the following information about accessing your information.
• Medical records are the property of the hospital. Patients do not automatically receive a copy of their medical record when they are discharged from the hospital because medical records must be completed by all physicians involved in the patient's care before they can be copied and released to the patient. This process can take up to 30 days. Patients may receive a copy of his or her medical record, upon completion, for a fee (if applicable).
• Patient-related information may also be released to a physician or medical facility for follow-up care of the patient when needed, free of charge. We encourage patients to request medical record information at least 10 days prior to any follow-up care.

Medical Records Policy

Has It Been More Than 10 Years?

South Texas Health System hospitals retain hospital based medical records in accordance with the state's regulations. All records are maintained for not less than 10 years following the date of discharge, after which they are destroyed. This applies to both inpatient and outpatient cases that are hospital-based services.

If the patient was a minor at the time of last visit, records are maintained for a minimum of 10 years or until the person is 22 years of age. For babies born at South Texas Health System facilities, the record will be kept for 21 years before they are purged.

How Do I Receive My Medical Record Information?

Submit Authorization Release Form

The information contained in the patient's medical record is confidential. All requests for release of medical records information must be accompanied by an authorization form signed by the patient and a photo ID. If a patient has a representative, the representative would need to provide a copy of the Medical Power of Attorney. If the patient is deceased, the signature of next of kin is needed along with a copy of the death certificate. Death certificates are not maintained by the hospital (see death certificates information). If for any reason the authorization is not HIPAA compliant, the Release of Information Office will contact the patient or representative for further information at the phone number documented on the authorization.

For the quickest response time, please submit your request through our online medical correspondence system.

Request Records

If you prefer, you may download and complete a printed version of the Authorization Form. Please mail or deliver the form in person to either of these locations:

South Texas Health System Edinburg
Attn: Medical Records Department
1102 West Trenton Road
Edinburg, Texas 78539
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

South Texas Health System McAllen
Attn: Medical Records Department
301 W. Expressway 83
McAllen, Texas 78503
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Download the Authorization Form (PDF)

You may request your medical records for any South Texas Health System facility at any location. The completed form may also be faxed to 956-289-2964. Contact the Release of Information Office at 956-632-4061.   

Electronic Delivery of Records for Patients Only 

To receive your medical record information via the Internet, be sure to indicate on the authorization form that you want the medical record information sent to you electronically and provide an email address.

Fees

Processing and copy fees are charged on a case-by-case basis. Costs may vary depending on the type of request.

• Copy Costs: No prepayment is needed to determine a page count, but once the count is processed the patient will receive an invoice from MRO for the amount of $6.50.
• Records to Other Healthcare Providers: Patient records will be forwarded directly to any healthcare provider at no charge.
• Disability: Only disability determination agencies are authorized to request and receive patient medical records. Fees are regulated by the state of residency of that agency. Such fees are only applicable when the request is received directly from a state or federal agency.
• Attorney Fees: Will be charged in accordance with state regulations.