Health Information
Management
The Health Information Management department is dedicated to providing prompt processing of all medical record requests while ensuring that all medical information is disclosed in accordance with federal and state laws. All staff will maintain the individual’s right to confidentiality when processing and releasing Protected Health Information (PHI).
Medical records maintained by the clinic are confidential and legal documents. They cannot be disclosed to anyone without consent of the patient, except for required reporting to state and federal agencies.
It is important that you fill out medical records release forms to transfer your personal health records to BCHC so that your care team has your complete medical history. Forms are available from Health Information Management (Medical Records). If a patient wishes to obtain a copy of their medical record or to send to another provider, a medical release form must also be signed. A written consent from a patient or a minor patient’s parent or legal guardian must specify the information needed, the purpose for the release, and the name of the person the information is to be released to.
Access your Personal Health Information (PHI) anytime, anyplace, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week, through our Patient Portal Coming Soon!
For fast and easy access to your health information, use our online Patient Portal free of charge.
See all your health information, including your care plan and lab results, on any Internet-enabled device, including smartphones and tablets
A summary of your “Patient Plan” can be uploaded soon after your visit.
Send your health records to other providers electronically
Please note that the Portal does NOT contain your full medical record.
For complete health information, a signed Authorization to Release Health Information form will be necessary along with valid identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the fees for Medical Records?
A. Medical records fees for personal requests, insurance, etc. are $25.00 for the first 20 pages, and .50 cents per page thereafter. Radiology films are $8.00 plus mailing fees.
Q. How long do you keep Medical Records?
A. Record for adult patients are kept for seven years after the last visit. Pediatric records are kept until the patient reaches the age of 21 or seven years after the last visit, whichever is longer.
Q. How long does it take to process a medical request?
A. Processing a request may take up to 15 business days after the date of the request and some fees may apply (depending on the type of request). Additional time (up to 30 days) may be taken for unusual circumstances such as staffing shortages, purged records, etc.
Additional Tips:
• A complete consent form with correct information must be provided.
• If you have changed your name, please provide your previous and new name.
• In order to avoid delays, provide a contact phone number where you can be reached for any questions we may have about your request.
• No personal information will be given over the phone. Medical records maintained by the clinic are confidential and legal documents that cannot be disclosed to anyone without consent of the patient with the exception of the required reporting of certain information to state federal agencies.
For more information, please call Health Information Management located at:
HIM Hours
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri 8am – 5pm
Wednesday 10am – 6pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Brownsville Community Health Center (BCHC) is an FTCA deemed Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). This health center receives HHS funding and has Federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals.
